Hunting Minibeasts

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In this activity (p.6-10 of PDF), learners use different methods for hunting minibeasts (bugs). Learners can either make traps or simply look for minibeasts under stones and logs. Learners can record the number of minibeasts they find. Use this activity to observe bugs and compare minibeasts found in different habitats. Safety note: Learners should always wash their hands before and after handling animals.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Tally chart
  • Container for holding minibeasts that are caught
  • (Optional) Pooter trap materials: transparent plastic (neoprene) tubing with an 8 mm inside diameter, soft rubber tubing with a 6 mm inside diameter, a tubing adapter (available from most science equipment suppliers), a piece of fine mesh
  • (Optional) Bug brolly trap materials: umbrella and stick
  • (Optional) Pitfall trap materials: plastic cup
  • (Optional) Tullgren funnel materials: garden sieve, paper towels, bowel, lamp

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
      • Classification
    • Ecology
      • Biodiversity
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Collecting
  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Gresty, Karen ; Smithers, Peter ; Ebdon, Leslie ; Jay, Chantelle ; Jacolly Puppet Theatre

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council