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Bug Habitats and Bug Catchers
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Type: Outdoor
Skills: Critical Thinking,
Science & Environment
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Getting kids outdoors to explore nature is good for a variety of reasons. It stimulates their minds, it's good for their bodies, and the more they’re exposed to nature, the more they may appreciate it and grow up interested in protecting it. In this activity, you’ll learn how bugs can help your kids identify with the great outdoors.
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What We Learn |
An appreciation of nature
Observation skills
Science vocabulary
Curiosity |
Supply List |
Wire hanger
Cheesecloth
Duct tape
Clear plastic containers with lids
Thumb tack
Magnifying glasses |
How-To |
Bug Catcher
Creating your own bug catcher is easy. Simply take a wire hanger and bend it into the shape of a circle. Straighten out the handle of the hangar and use duct tape to cover any sharp edges.
Then line the inside rim of the hangar with cheesecloth. Fold an inch or so of the cheesecloth over the outside of the rim and secure with duct tape. Make sure your cheesecloth net is secure and any gaps in the cheesecloth are taped shut.
If you don’t have cheesecloth, you can try cutting off the leg of a pair of panty hose and securing that netting to the hangar instead.
Once you’ve created your bug catchers, it’s time to let the fun begin. Accompany your kids into the backyard or to a nearby park and encourage them to explore the fascinating world of bugs.
Bug Habitat
When your children have collected bugs, they may want to inspect them more closely. A bug habitat can enable your children to get a closer look at the bugs they’ve found.
All you need to create a bug habitat is an empty clear plastic container with a clear plastic lid. Simply use a thumbtack to puncture a few small holes in your container, then place the bug inside.
If you don’t have clear plastic containers, you can also use a clear jar with a metal lid. Because the lid is metal, the adult should carefully use a hammer and a small nail in order to create the holes.
When a bug is secured, encourage your children to investigate the insect with their eyes. Give your children magnifying glasses and have them turn the bug containers in different ways to look at the bugs from all angles, including its underside. Encourage children to touch and feel the bug being investigated, as long as it’s safe.
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