Named for the soldiers who operated artillery cannons, the bombardier beetle operates a cannon of its own. The video explains how it sets off a chemical reaction creating a small explosion they can aim at a predator. The evolution of the defense system confused scientists for many years, but now research is finally explaining the process.

Concepts

beetles, evolution, insect anatomy

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Add exaptation to pupils' science journals and vocabulary lists

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on some prior knowledge of evolution
• Pre-teach what an enzyme is so scholars understand the references

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Includes the full text of the video for those without Internet connection
• Video's short length means it doesn't take up much class time

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.4 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4