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 Learning
About Bugs
Insects make up the largest bomass on our planet and provide
a wonderful opportunity to see first hand the variety that exists in living
things. A small magnifying glass will make up close investigation much
easier!
Look at colors, textures, sizes, and shapes. Count legs
(insects have 6; arachnids-commonly called spiders have 8). Watch movements
- do they fly, climb, crawl?
Find bug homes - look for holes in the ground, bumps on
leaves, and tunnels in tree bark.
Associations built on curiosity and respect are beneficial
to both the child and the animal - teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar
is as important to the child as the caterpillar.
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Paint the bark of a tree with fruit juice,
honey, molasses or mashed banana (or all four)- visit the tree and
see who comes to eat. |
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Hang a white piece of cloth from a branch and put a
flashlight behind it. When it gets dark see who visits the cloth.
Take a hand lens so you can see up close! |
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Watch a bumble bee working a flower - notice the yellow
pollen "pockets" on the bee's legs. This is how they transport
the pollen grains back to the hive. |
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Pick up a rock, roll over a log, and look under a planter
to find pillbugs, millipedes, and other "dark" dwelling
bugs. |
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