Ant Academy Slides Ant Academy
Teamwork in the Colony
Do You Have Chores?
Taking out the trash?
Setting the table?
Guess what? Ants have chores too!
Let's Watch: How Do Ants Find Food?
Embedded media
Pause at 0:36 to meet the team!
Who is in the Colony?
The Queen
The biggest ant!
She lays all the eggs.
The Males
The boy ants.
They take care of the Queen.
The Workers
Find food, build tunnels, and protect the hill!
Colony Role Play!
1
Queens sit on their "thrones" in the anthill.
2
Males fan the Queen to keep her cool.
3
Workers hunt for "crumbs" hidden in the room.
Remember:
Workers must follow the "scent trail" and bring all the food back to the Queen and Males!
Teamwork Power!
Which job was the hardest? Why?
What would happen if the workers stopped?
Ants are amazing because they work together!
Colony Crew Teacher Guide Colony Crew Teacher Guide
Ant Colony Cooperation (Grades K-1)
Lesson Time
45 Minutes
Learning Objectives
Identify the roles in an ant colony (Queen, Male, Worker).
Explain how ant cooperation helps the colony survive.
Demonstrate teamwork through a structured role-play.
Prep Checklist
Print Crowns & Fans (1 per student)
Print/Cut Food Crumbs (approx. 50 total)
Set up "Thrones" (Chairs) for Queens
Hide crumbs around the classroom
Lesson Flow
Step 1
5 min
The Chore Connection
Start a discussion about chores at home. Ask students: "Why do we have chores? What happens if no one does the dishes or takes out the trash?" Transition to the idea that Ants are world-famous for their chores.
Step 2
10 min
Watch & Identify
Play the "How Do Ants Find Food?" video.
Pause at 0:36: Ask students to name the three types of ants shown.
Pause at 2:24: Discuss ant strength (carrying a small car!).
Step 3
20 min
The Colony Role-Play
Divide the class into three groups:
Queens (3-4)
Wear crowns. Sit on thrones. Job: Oversee the colony and wait for food.
Males (3-4)
Hold fans. Stand by the Queen. Job: Gently fan the queen to keep her cool.
Workers (Rest of class)
Job: Forage for crumbs and bring them to the Queen and Males.
Step 4
5 min
The Debrief
Bring everyone together. Ask: "Workers, was it hard to find enough food? Males, was your arm tired from fanning? Queens, what would happen if the workers didn't find food?" Emphasize that every job matters.
Key Discussion Questions
Check for Understanding:
"What part of their body do ants use to smell?" (Antennae)
"What does 'Omnivore' mean?" (Eats everything!)
Deeper Thinking:
"How is an ant colony like our classroom?"
"Why do ants leave a smelly trail behind them?"
Ant Role Play Gear Queen Crowns
Print and Cut 1 per Queen
Queen
Queen
Queen
Teacher: Staple to a construction paper strip to fit around student heads!
Male Ant Fans
Print and Cut 1 per Male
Keep the Queen Cool!
Fold or Fan
Keep the Queen Cool!
Fold or Fan
Keep the Queen Cool!
Fold or Fan
Keep the Queen Cool!
Fold or Fan
Colony Food Crumbs
Print and Cut 2-3 Sheets for the whole class
Cookie Crumb
Cookie Crumb
Fruit Slice
Fruit Slice
Green Leaf
Green Leaf
Sweet Berry
Sweet Berry
Bread Bit
Bread Bit
Sugar Crystal
Sugar Crystal
Cookie Crumb
Cookie Crumb
Cookie Crumb
Cookie Crumb
Green Leaf
Green Leaf
Green Leaf
Green Leaf
Ant Job Match Worksheet Ant Job Match
Are you a Colony Expert?
Name:
Date:
1. Match the Ant to their Job!
Draw a line to connect the ant to what they do.
The Queen
The Males
The Workers
They take care of the Queen and keep her cool.
She stays in the hill and lays all the eggs.
They find food and build tunnels for the family.
2. Super Senses!
Ants don't use their noses to smell. Draw the Antennae on this ant's head!
Draw antennae here! ↑
3. Teamwork Power
How can YOU work together with your friends today? Draw or write one idea below.