Farmers and fruit growers use sex pheromones to monitor for pests that would attack their crops. They place traps baited with a synthetic version of the sex pheromone for a particular pest insect near their crops. When adult moths, attracted by the scent and coming in to mate, are trapped, then the farmer knows to be on the alert to protect the crop. A short article written by Dr. Rudy Scheibner of the University of Kentucky contains more information on using pheromones in agriculture . Check with the local county extension office to be sure that it's placed outside when the insects are likely to be active.
Ant colonies are very common.
Look in rotting logs or near streams. Dig the colony up and place them in a plastic bag to transport them to the classroom. Place them in the container. Give the ants several days to get settled. Determine ratios or fractions of the colony doing each job.