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Educator’s Guide

amnh.org/poison/educators

INSIDE • Map of the Exhibition • Essential Questions • Teaching in the Exhibition • Come Prepared Checklist • Correlation to Standards • Glossary ONLINE • Activities and Student Worksheets for Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 • Additional Resources MAP OF THE EXHIBITION > exit

The Power of exhibition uses owl models, objects, interactives, live , 4a and presenters to explore the of yew poison and its role in nature, Captain history, and health. Cook 5a marine tank Use the guided explorations, numbered on gila tarantula this map and in the Teaching in the Exhibition monster section, to guide your visit. live presentation 3b

1 Poison in Nature 2e 2d 1a. ’s Chocó forest enchanted book 1b. Coevolution Theater villains & victims 3a & detectors 2c 2 Poison in Myth & Legend bookshelf Snow 2a. Dioramas of the Witches of Macbeth, White Mad Hatter, Snow White, and

Emperor Qin Emperor 2a Qin 2b. Greek pottery media projection Witches 2b Coevolution 2c. in Literature bookshelf of Hercules Macbeth Theater 2d. Enchanted book interactive & Medea 1b 2e. Antidotes and detectors

Mad 3 Detecting Poison Hatter 3a. Villains & Victims gallery 3b. Understanding Poisons live presentation caterpillars 1a Chocó 4 Poison by Accident forest 4a. Solve the Case interactives

5 Poison for Good 5a. Yew tree model and live animals KEY: Live animals Video Interactive Case/Display < enter ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Use the Essential Questions below to connect the exhibition’s themes to your curriculum. Identify key points that you’d like your students to learn.

What is poison? • : Some can be toxic. , for example, seeps into groundwater from the local bedrock. gets are substances that can harm by inter- Poisons into and air through -mining and industrial process- fering with biological processes. Organisms use poisons to es, and eventually ends up in the oceans — and in our . survive — to capture prey and to defend themselves. In living things, poisons are a product of and . are largely bystanders to this evolution- How do poisons work? ary process, an arms race that has been waged among Poisons operate in myriad ways on different biological and animals for hundreds of millions of years. The effect of systems. Poisons are defined by the systems that they affect. poison depends on: For example, like (found in an Asian , Strychnos nux-vomica) and the heavy mercury • the target – chocolate, for example, is easily metabolized affect the signaling machinery of nerves; like by humans but can be fatal to ; cytotoxins (from castor beans) and arsenic disrupt function; and • the is essential for , for example, but , found in leech , the spines of a Lonomia swallowing too much is lethal; and caterpillar, and many , inhibit blood clotting. • exposure – some poisons are acutely toxic while others, Some venoms, like that of most vipers, combine nerve poisons, like , build up in the body’s tissues and have a muscle-destroying poisons ( ), and hemotoxins. cumulative effect.

Ground into flour, the seeds and stems of the cycad plant (Zamia roezlii) are What is the history of poisons Seeds an important for many people. in society? But they contain a dangerous nerve that accumulates in the body For centuries people have grown or collected plants that could and can cause loss of muscle control. heal or harm. In the dark about how poisons worked, people Lengthy soaking and repeated rinsing often attributed their effects to magic. Countless fairy tales and makes the flour safe to eat. Stem legends from around the world describe mysterious potions that make people seem dead or become immortal. With this Organisms deliver poison with that include fangs, history come charmed objects believed to protect the bearer. spines, and seeds. Venomous animals, like some , manu- Myths and folklore offered an explanation for illness or , facture and deliver poison in the form of complex biological and some of the most unlikely tales contain a kernel of truth. mixtures that can weaken, immobilize, or kill. Many are used as , and many more are being studied. How do we use poisons? Sometimes what makes things toxic is also what makes them Where are poisons found? useful. For example, cone snail painlessly paralyzes Because they convey an adaptive advantage, poisons have prey; used medicinally, the same toxins block signals and evolved independently on every major branch of the tree of life. provide powerful relief. Humans have extracted poisons from An enormous number of species — spread over many groups, nature and used them in for thousands of years, and including , , jellies, , , fungi, also put them to use as and mind-altering drugs. and plants — are poisonous. Some that are noxious to insects are pleasant to us, like mint, • : Some animals, like longwing butterflies, get their vanilla, chili, and cinnamon. Uncovering how poisons function poisons from their environment or from other organisms. has been invaluable in learning how the human body works. Others make their own venom, and most of them share two Beyond the scope of human invention, these complex related traits: special glands for manufacturing the venom biomolecules are the result of millions of years of evolution. and something sharp with which to inject it. Distinctive Applications include an anti-cancer from yew , a markings or bright colors warn predators of mortal danger. drug from gila monster venom to treat diabetes, and a toxin • vegetable: Over the course of 450 million years, plants have from bacteria to treat a range of conditions, from to evolved an amazing array of chemical defenses — against muscle spasms. The search for new from natural insects, other herbivores, and even other plants. toxins has barely begun. TEACHING IN THE EXHIBITION

1 Poison in Nature 2 Poison in Myth & Legend 1a. Colombia’s Chocó forest: Organisms use poison to 2a. Dioramas of the protect themselves or to capture prey. As you and your Witches of Macbeth, students walk through this immersive exhibit, use the follow- Mad Hatter, Snow ing prompts to help them observe the many toxic species White, and Emperor highlighted here: What is it? Who or what is its target? How Qin: Once upon a time does it use poison, and why? (e.g. A bullet ant (Paraponera (or until germs were clavata) uses a retractable, syringe-like in its abdomen discovered), people to pump powerful neurotoxic venom into its prey, which include couldn’t tell if sickness much larger animals. Venom from the bite of the aggressive was caused by disease, wandering (Phoneutria boliviensis) can cause pain, poison, or even magic. cramps, tremors, and even paralysis. The spines of the zebra Stories of dramatic poi- longwing caterpillar (Heliconius charitonia) and the orange- sonings intrigue because and-black coloring of the flame caterpillar (Dryas iulia) warn they’re mysterious and predators of their .) frightening, and because many contain a kernel of truth. Have students From the 1700s through the early 1900s, explore the “magical” the hat-making industry used a poisonous effects of the poisons de- compound called mercuric nitrate. Long-term exposure causes tremors, extreme irritability, scribed in each diorama. and mood swings — behavior like the Mad (e.g. Poisons like the Hatter’s in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Born near England’s hat-making capital, neurotoxins produced by author Lewis Carroll witnessed this tragic snakes and pufferfish can occupational . cause reversible paralysis like Snow White’s “sleep.”) Toxins on and inside a golden poison Unlike its larger, big-clawed ( terribilis) protect it from emperor cousin, this little fat-tailed predators and can cause cardiac arrest. (Androctonus australis) It gets its intense toxicity from something mainly uses its stinger — and much 2b. Greek pottery media in its diet, probably . deadlier venom — for defense. projection: We can trace the use of poisons into antiquity. Students can watch two ancient myths unfold to see how Hercules acquired poison by killing the Hydra, and how Medea used poison to seek revenge.

How does Hercules finally slay the monster Hydra?

The bright color and sharp spines of the zebra longwing caterpillar (Heliconius charitonia) warn predators of its toxicity. Its poisonous originates in its Writers from host plant, the passionflower. 2c. Poisons in Literature bookshelf: Shakespeare to Agatha Christie have used poison to propel their plots. Invite students to discuss how poison figures in 1b. Coevolution Theater: A short video, “A Tale of Toxins vs. these stories and others that they’ve read. (e.g. Harry Potter Resistance,” explores how coevolution drives extreme toxicity uses a universal called a to save his best friend in poisons as a defense. from .) 2d. Enchanted book 4 Poison by Accident interactive: For centuries, people have grown or collected 4a. Solve the Case interactives: Intentional plants with the power to heal or are rare today, but accidental poisonings do happen. Using harm. Students can turn the iPad interactives, students can investigate virtual pages of this “magic evidence, compare clues, and weed out red book” to learn about belladonna, herrings to figure out what poisoned a dog, hemlock, monkshood, and an owl, and Captain Cook. (Spoiler alerts! rhododendron. Ask students 1: The dog made the mistake of playing with a about their effects on the body, cane toad, which defended itself by secreting why they’re toxic, what they’ve potent . The dog’s bright red gums been used for, and their place in were the telltale clue. 2: An owl fed on mourning hemlock (Conium macultum) myth and legend. (e.g. Hemlock doves that were shot by hunters. Over time, the contains a toxin that was used to sedate and to treat spasms, lead shot remaining in the doves accumulated This human treat but can cause death; the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates was in the owl. The evidence was its , turned green by lead. 3: Captain Cook sampled enough is deadly for pets. executed by being forced to drink hemlock brew.) The ingredient that pufferfish for its nerve poison, , to gives us a pleasant make him quite ill. Tingling in the hands and boost — theobromine 2e. Antidote and detectors: In every — causes feet was the giveaway.) in dogs. culture people have turned, in vain, to “charmed” objects and potions to protect themselves from poisoning. Have students 5 Poison for Good survey the examples displayed here and 5a. Yew tree model, live animals, and surrounding consider how they were used. (e.g. In Asia, panels: Toxins extracted from plants and animals, including silver spoons and chopsticks were said venoms, are being studied to treat conditions such as high to change color to signal the presence of blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. Have students poison. Garnets and emeralds were believed examine organisms around the room and explore how their to protect against and other poisons benefit us.(e.g. Toxoids, a mixture of toxic from the yew tree, can cause nausea, , failure, Jade goblets were prized poisons by many people, including ancient in because they Egyptians. In Roman times frankincense and even death in humans, but drugs made from one particular were thought to purify was thought to be an antidote to hemlock.) taxoid limit the spread of fast-multiplying cancer cells. The wine and remove any poisonous elements. toxin produced by the botulinum bacteria can cause muscle paralysis and death by suffocation, but careful application can stop muscle spasms, crossed eyes, jaw clenching, 3 Detecting Poison and other disorders — and even reduce wrinkles.) 3a. Villains & Victims gallery: From Cleopatra to Napoleon, history is filled with famous poisonings, many of which remain unsolved. Have students explore and discuss how these historical figures might have died.

3b. Understanding Poisons live Venom injected by cone snails paralyzes Toxins in black venom that block presentation: Throughout most of Could their prey, but these toxins can also pain signals in the may history, people had little understanding have killed Napoleon? block pain signals, making them useful lead to new pain . of what was poisonous, and why. Until the as an anesthetic. mid-1800s, when scientists developed forensic tools to detect poisons in the human body, many remained a mystery. Explore More A presenter will engage students in activities that demonstrate Visit the Hall of Biodiversity and the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life how poisons work in your body, and will be available to answer on the 1st floor to look for other poisonous organisms, such as and pufferfish. questions. COME PREPARED CHECKLIST GLOSSARY adaptation: a heritable change that improves the ability of an Plan your visit. For information about reservations, individual or species to survive in an environment transportation, and lunchrooms, visit amnh.org/ plan-your-visit/school-or-camp-group-visit. : having bright colors or markings that warn or repel predators; the opposite of camouflage Read the Essential Questions to see how themes in the exhibition connect to your curriculum. Identify the coevolution: the evolution of two or more species in which key points that you’d like your students to learn. each adapts to changes in the other, as between plants and their pollinators or predators and their prey Review the Teaching in the Exhibition section natural selection: the process by which organisms better for an advance look at what your class will encounter. adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring Download activities and student worksheets at amnh.org/poison/educators. They are designed for poison: a substance that interferes with a physiological process use before, during, and after your visit. in an undesirable way. (If the effect is desired, the substance is called a drug.) Decide how your class will explore the exhibition: toxin: a specific molecular component of a poison or venom that • You and your chaperones can facilitate the visit using has a specific target, such as: the Teaching in the Exhibition section. • cytotoxins, which disrupt cell function • Your students can use the worksheets to explore the • neurotoxins, which affect the nervous system exhibition on their own or in small groups. • hemotoxins, which target and destroy blood cells • Students, individually or in groups, can use the map • myotoxins, which affect muscles to choose their own paths. venom: poisonous fluids, often combinations of many toxins, that are injected by a bite or sting

CORRELATION TO STANDARDS Venom is both made and stored in this gland. Venom Ducts A Framework for K-12 Science Education Main Venom Gland Under pressure, venom spurts Science Practices • Asking questions • Developing and using through these models • Planning and carrying out investigations • Constructing This powerful muscle ducts, then into and evolved from the jaw- through the hollow explanations • Engaging in argument from evidence • Obtaining, closing muscle but fang like a drug evaluating, and communicating information is separate from it. through a needle. Compressor Crosscutting Concepts • Patterns • Cause and effect: Mechanism Fang Muscle The snake extends and explanation • Scale, proportion, and quantity • Structure and its tubular fangs completely to inject function • Stability and change venom, which it does with a striking Core Ideas • LS1: From to Organisms: Structures and motion. The fangs are folded back Processes • LS2: : Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics when not in use. • LS3: Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits • LS4: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity • ESS3: Earth and Human Activity Viper Skull in Cross-Section • ETS2: Links Among Engineering, Technology, Science, and Society

CREDITS Major funding has been provided by the Lila Wallace – Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund. Photo Credits Cover: passionflower, © Shutterstock; The Witches’ Sabbath Engraving, © Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, France/Archives Charmet/The Bridgeman Art Library; black mamba, © H. Schmidbauer/Blickwinkel/AGE Fotostock; mercury droplets, © Shutterstock. Essential Questions: cycad, © New York Public Library. Teaching in the Exhibition: golden poison frog, © AMNH/T. Grant; yellow fat-tailed scorpion, © Shutterstock; zebra longwing butterfly caterpillar, © SuperStock/AGE Fotostock; Mallory Cravenette Hats, © Mariana Gatochy/Flickr; Greek urn, © AMNH; hemlock, © Private Collection/The Stapleton Collection/The Bridgeman Art Library; jade goblet, © AMNH/C.Chesek; Napoleon, © DEA Picture Library/AGE Fotostock; chocolate bar, © iStockphoto; cone snail, © AMNH/C.Chesek. Back Cover: poison hemlock, © Jérôme Moreaux/AGE Fotostock; venom skull illustration, © Ken Kardong.

© 2013 American Museum of Natural History. All rights reserved.

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