Touchpoint 1
Illinois residents encouraged to destroy the eggs of invasive insects to slow spread
What is it?
There is a moth that can strip leaves and kill trees that is moving across the United States. Each of these moths can lay 1,000 eggs, so they increase in population very quickly. Illinois is asking residents to look for moth eggs in their yards and destroy them before they hatch.
Potential message to students:
Do you think it will work? What percentage of moth eggs do you think are easy to locate and destroy in Illinois? Do you think citizens will err on the side of caution and just get rid of all found insect eggs?
Touchpoint 2
Vast DNA tree of life for plants revealed by global team of scientists
What is it?
279 scientists from around the world have sequenced the genetic code of 9,500 flowering plant species. They believe this covers about 90% of known plant life on land. They hope to create a “periodic table” of plants.
Potential message to students:
How do you think scientists and researchers will use all this genetic data in the future? Do you think we will see the same efforts for mammal genes and even ocean plants and animals?
Touchpoint 3
Oysters could help clean up the Reef
What is it?
A type of oyster may be able to filtrate wastewater in the ocean. Some think these oysters can be used to help The Great Barrier Reef survive. The Blacklip Rock Oyster has the best filtration.
Potential message to students:
Assuming you like oysters, would you continue to order them at a restaurant? What do you think about relocating tons of oysters to corral reef areas? Do you think it will make a difference? Do you think it might harm the reef in unexpected ways?