Wee Beasties
Wee beasties, or invertebrates, are everywhere in woodlands. The woodland edge is a particularly good habitat to investigate. This activity looks at finding, recording and identifying invertebrates.
OBJECTIVE: to identify a variety of invertebrates in the woodland areas.
TIME: 1 hour
LOCATION: different woodland types.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED: bug boxes, magnifying glasses, activity sheets, a good reference book on mini-beasts and the mini-beast keys from SNH.
Before the Activity
Be careful when handling the animals and let them go where you found them after you have identified them.
The Activity
Remember that mini-beasts are found in every layer of the woodland. However, in amongst the foliage, under rotting logs and stumps and piles of branches, are especially good places to look. Stones are also good.
Break into small groups of 3 - 4, and take it in turns to collect invertebrates (mini-beasts) in the bug boxes or jars. Use the magnifiers wherever possible. Use the key every time you collect a new animal. Photograph, draw or describe in words what you find.
Release what you have caught, gently please!
Suggested follow-up
Research the different mini-beasts: their needs; food; adaptations etc. Create a wall display involving their investigation, and research the results.
Downloads
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