During our work on the formicarium project, we encountered several challenges and identified areas for improvement. Below are some key problems and ideas that future generations can consider in order to better the project and make it more efficient, educational, and enjoyable.

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Research Before Starting

• It is important for future groups to inform themselves thoroughly before beginning the formicarium project. Understanding why certain materials are used or why the formicarium must be set up in a specific way is essential to avoid mistakes . 

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Time Management and Planning

• Effective time management is crucial. Future groups should plan their work well in advance and make the most of the time available during lessons. It's important to stay on schedule and not delay tasks, in order to finish everything as planned.

 

Ant-Marking Techniques

• We experienced difficulties when marking the ants, as our method using acrylic paint was not very effective. For future projects, we recommend exploring more durable techniques. The scientific paper "AAn Improved and Quantified Technique for Marking Individual Fire Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on JSTOR)" offers several alternatives worth considering.

• Additionally, marking larger ants is preferable, as they are easier to handle and less likely to be harmed. Smaller ants are more delicate and may be damaged by the marking process. A helpful trick is to place ants in the freezer for about two minutes before marking them. This temporarily reduces their movement and makes the task easier.

 

Communication Within the Group

• Good communication within the team is essential for a positive and productive working environment. Effective communication helps to share ideas clearly and divide tasks fairly. We recommend that future classes find a communication method that works well for everyone, whether it’s a shared document, a messaging platform, or regular check-ins.

 

Managing Social Media for the Project

• For those in charge of the social media aspect, it is important to begin by identifying which platforms are suitable for sharing content. Take time to understand what type of content fits best on each platform. Consistency is key—make sure to post regularly and avoid forgetting any of the chosen platforms.

 

Improving the Educational Aspect

• One of our goals was to create an educational space. We're able to place the chambers near the glass door, so everybody can observe the ants, but further adjustments could be made: adding some clear spots in the connecting tube where ants could be seen better.

• Additionally, we suggest using experiments (ex. the maze) as teaching tools for other classes. Preparing clear explanations and integrating them into lessons would increase the educational value of the project.