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Ladybird survey
This resource supports learners in thinking about what makes a fair test as they design their own wildlife survey recording sheet. Learners then apply their classification skills as they collect and identify ladybirds. This resource also presents the results of a study aimed at understanding how the invasive Harlequin ladybird might be affecting other ladybird species. This can set the scene for why and how to conduct a wildlife survey, or it can be used to illustrate how results can be presented in different ways.
Key learning points are that surveys are types of scientific tests used to gather information; detailed notes are important for determining if a test was fair; and information can be presented in different ways for different purposes.
©Trustees of the Natural History Museum. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
Originally produced with support from the Evolution Education Trust.
Preparation
What you need
To make your survey sheet:
- paper
- pencil
- clipboards (for filling in the survey while outdoors)
See Ladybird survey slides for information about invertebrate survey equipment.
Location
Indoors and outdoors
Useful guidance
Resources
NHM_Ladybird survey_guide.docx
603.28 KB
NHM_Ladybird survey_slides.pptx
1.85 MB
NHM_UK ladybirds chart.pdf
1.27 MB
Scaffolding resource
Grouping and classifying
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All about ladybirds
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Step by step
Part 1: Making a survey sheet
- Go through the ladybird survey slides so learners get an idea of what it means to have a fair test.
- Go outside to the survey location and have learners think about what factors might affect their ladybird surveys and make them unfair.
- Create survey sheets by hand or on a computer, being sure to include spaces to record factors that might affect their results.
Part 2: Conduct your ladybird survey
- Review how to use the invertebrate survey equipment.
- Assign groups to different areas to survey and start collecting ladybirds.
- Record your results.
- Optional: Submit your results on iRecord, or upload photos to iNaturalist.
Ladybird survey case study
- Document
The case study presentation can be used to set the scene for your own ladybird survey. Learners will be able to see how their work mirrors that of professional entomologists. You might also choose to save the case study or revisit it after your survey to look at how data can be presented in different ways depending on the research question.
Curriculum links
Animals, including humans
- explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment
Working scientifically
- planning different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary
- taking measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, with increasing accuracy and precision, taking repeat readings when appropriate
- recording data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys, tables, scatter graphs, bar and line graphs
Scientific attitudes
- pay attention to objectivity and concern for accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility
- understand that scientific methods and theories develop as earlier explanations are modified to take account of new evidence and ideas, together with the importance of publishing results and peer review
Experimental skills and investigations
- select, plan and carry out the most appropriate types of scientific enquiries to test predictions, including identifying independent, dependent and control variables
- apply sampling techniques
Ecosystems
- some abiotic and biotic factors which affect communities
- the importance of interactions between organisms in a community
- methods of identifying species and measuring distribution, frequency and abundance of species within a habitat
What to try next
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Using iNaturalist to identify wildlife
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