Explore More at Home:
EXPLORING INSECTS

Join Miss Melanie as she explores more about bugs right in her own backyard!

Join Ms. Melanie in her back yard as she hunts for bugs!

EQUIPMENT

If you want to go on a bug hunt in your backyard, all you really need are your eyes and lots of patience!  If you want to make your expedition a bit more interesting, though, here are some bug catching tools that you can make to take along with you!

This page has lots of interesting information about bugs and insects, plus instructions for making an INSECT POOTER (also known as a bug vacuum).

Butterfly nets are always handy if you want to catch flying insects. This ONE is easy to make!  All you need is a wire hanger and a plastic bag.

If you want to lure butterflies into your yard then this BUTTERFLY FEEDER craft will do the trick!

Once you have captured your bugs, they’ll need a safe place to stay while you look at them. This plastic bottle INSECT HOUSE is the perfect place.  Once you’ve had a chance to examine the insects closely, make sure to let them go back to their homes in nature.

GET OUTSIDE

There are lots of ways to look for and find bugs, but here are two that you can try at home!

LEAF LITTER SIFTING

TREE SHAKING

WATCH AND lEARN

It’s a Firefly Night by Dianne Ochiltree

The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle

SCIENCE

Do you know the difference between insects and other bugs like spiders? This VIDEO helps explain.


This EXPERIMENT investigates how insects react to changes in air temperature. You can do it with any insect you find, but make sure to let it go after the experiment is finished.

CREATE

This fun ART LESSON will help you invent your own insect and turn it into a beautiful piece of art!


Flyswatters can be used for more than smacking flies. They also make great art! Try this MESSY ART project outside after your bug hunt!