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Animal Group Behavior Activity for Kids
Ant Farm DIY
- Duration: 15-30 min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $0 to $5
Make your own ant farm to observe animal group behavior!
Material List
- 2 Different-sized plastic containers with lids
- 1Box of sand
- 1BBQ skewer
- 1Apple
- 1Cup of water
- 1Tube of ants (can be bought from Ants Alive for $5)
Instructions
- 1Place the lid on the smaller container, and place it inside the larger container.
- 2Add sand around the smaller container to fill the larger container about ¾ full.
- 3Use the skewer to start some tunnels through the sand near the sides.
- 4Place the tube of ants into the refrigerator for 10 min to slow them down.
- 5Gently tap on the tube to release the ants onto the sand.
- 6Add a small apple slice and a tablespoon of water in the middle of the sand.
- 7Poke pin holes in the large lid and keep the container sealed.
- 8The ants build their tunnels over a few days.
- Warning:Ants can pinch you - use non-latex gloves and put them in the fridge before transferring.
- Ant Care Tips:Do not keep them in direct sunlight - a cool room temperature of 60-70 degrees F is best. Add a teaspoon of water and a tiny piece of apple once a week.
How It Works
Ants live in groups called colonies. They each play a role in a larger community. Together they build systems of tunnels for shelter and to protect their young (larva). They also work together as a group to collect food and bring it back to the developing larva. We call this "Animal Group Behavior!"
Check out the Full Lesson on Animal Group Behavior
In this lesson, we learn that:
- Animals form groups to defend themselves.
- Animal Group Behavior can involve a few animals or thousands.
- Groups can help animals get food.
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