Challenge: Let’s Design a Bug Paradise!

K-12 Resource: Activity

Be an architect and join Jordan to design a bug’s paradise

Project Details

  • Grade Level K-5
  • Subject Science, Art
  • Activity Type Art Making, Research

About

Learning Objectives

Pick your favorite bug and design a habitat for it to survive.

Materials Needed

  • Markers
  • Colored pencils
  • Paper
  • Colorful paper
  • Glue
  • Tape
  • Scissors

Assignment

Choose a Bug

Imagine you are a bug architect designing a special home for a special bug.

Imagine Your Bug's Home

Think about what your bug needs to be happy and healthy. List those elements.

Write them down or hold them in your imagination. You can also read books about your bug to find out what they need.

Draw Your Bug’s Ecosystem

Draw your bug and what it needs to survive on a sheet of paper. Make sure it fills the whole page. Include everything your bug needs to survive and be happy and healthy.

Plan and Label Each Element

Next to each part of your drawing, write what it is and why it's important for the bug. For example, you can write “Home and Food” near the plant because bugs need a cozy home, and some bugs like to eat plants.

Build a Diorama

Watch Challenge: Let’s Design a Bug Paradise! to get help on how to build a diorama of your bug’s paradise.

Optional: Bring Your Design to Life! Assemble a Bug Ecosystem Jar

Gather all the items you need for your bug’s home. Carefully place everything your bug needs into the jar. Make sure everything is secure and safe for your bug.

Find a friendly bug or insect (make sure it’s safe for both the bug and you), and introduce them to their new ecosystem.

Observe your bug ecosystem: Watch how your bug interacts with the different elements you included. How does it use the rocks, soil, plant, and water?

Record your observations: Keep a bug journal where you can draw and write about what your bug friend does in its new home. What interesting behaviors did you notice?

Share your bug’s new home: Share your bug’s home and your observations with your family or classmates. What did you learn about creating a special home for bugs? Did your bug friend seem happy in its new home?