Bugs are cool! They can fly, buzz, sting, jump, and even light up! Take some time to observe the bugs in your backyard and get up close with a magnifying glass and this fun activity!
What You’ll need:
Clear container
Overripe banana or peanut butter
Magnifying glass
What to Do:
A good way to attract bugs is to spread something sweet (like the banana) onto the bark of a tree.
Check it often to see what new bugs have arrived and use your magnifying glass to look closely at the different bugs you find.
Come out at night with a flashlight and see if there are different types of bugs then there were during the day. You can also use a sheet hung up at night with a light shining on it to attract insects. This is can a great non-messy alternative version of this activity.
If you want to watch a particular bug, put it in your clear container with a bottle cap of water, a stick, and some green leaves. Return your bug to the place you found it after you are done looking. Please do not try to keep insects longer than about an hour, they love their natural homes best!
Ask Yourself:
How do the bugs protect themselves?
Where do you think these bugs live?
Why are some bugs brown or black, and some colourful?
When you use a different spread, did you find different bugs?
Blog post written by Shawn Eckert, SCiP intern.
