Invertebrates in action
- the good, the bad and the ugly

Summary
This activity allows students to learn about a number of invertebrate species found in agricultural areas and their roles (both positive and negative) in these environments.

Background notes for teachers
Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone and include species such as dragonflies, termites, ladybirds, crayfish, worms, snails and fleas. While many people perceive insects to be pests, less than 1% of known invertebrate species are economic pests or harmful to humans. In fact many species can be of benefit, especially in an agricultural landscape. Invertebrates are important for pollination, nutrient cycling, control of pest invertebrate species and as a food source.

The activity
Break the class up into 6 groups and hand out a different insect information card to each group. (Photocopy the following page - The good the bad and the ugly - and cut to create cards). Allow students 10 - 15 minutes to devise a five minute presentation using the sheet on the good, the bad and the ugly. They may wish to prepare a poster, a play, a song, a dance or a formal talk. Once the presentations are over discuss as a class the following questions:

»	Which species do you think was the best, the worst and the ugliest?
»	Why are invertebrates so important?
»	How would these species affect food production?
»	What sort of invertebrates can be found in the garden or the schoolyard?
»	What would be their importance?