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Animal Group BehaviorActivity 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!

Visit The Full Lesson Download Instructions as PDF

Material List

2Different-sized plastic containers with lids
1Box of sand
1BBQ skewer
1Apple
1Cup of water
1Tube of ants, that can be bought for $5 from https://www.antsalive.com/buy-live-ants.htm)

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.

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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!"