Online Adaptation to "Gotcha! Which fly trap is the best? An introduction to experimental data collection and analysis"

Abstract

We present here a simple and engaging experiment capitalizing on the universal need to rid our homes of fruit flies to teach experimental design and analysis. In an earlier <a href="https://doi.org/10.24918/cs.2019.35">paper</a>, we described an experiment in which students learn the scientific process by attempting to answer the question, &quot;what is the best way to catch fruit flies?&quot; The experiment was designed to be easily adaptable to the resources available to the instructor. With the recent increase in schools opting for the online delivery of courses, we are updating the paper with suggestions on how students can complete the fly trap experiment from home. Traps are made with common items and baited with materials found in most kitchens and placed near open windows for up to five days during temperate seasons. Students are encouraged to creatively modify trap designs and baits based on their resources. Students then count and record the number of flies captured in each trap/bait combination and share their data across the class to create a large data set to analyse and explore for trends. Online video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom, can be used before and after the experiment to facilitate group discussion and maintain student engagement. Datasets can also be pooled across classes and we have included a sample dataset created through a Twitter callout for participants. The experiment is easily adaptable to allow students to have a valuable hands-on experience with experimental design, data collection, data analysis, and effective peer communication without leaving their own home.<!--pagebreak--> <em>Primary image:&nbsp;</em>Fly trap experiment using common household items. From left to right, the plastic wrap trap with red wine, the plastic wrap trap with mashed banana, the paper funnel trap with red wine, and the paper funnel trap with mashed banana. Original published lesson:&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.24918/cs.2019.35">Gotcha! Which fly trap is the best? An introduction to experimental data collection and analysis</a>