Critter Observation Mazes
Creating a critter observation maze can be fun and challenging to make and even more fun to observe in action.
Things you will need:
A box, box lid or pizza box (as your base)
A collection of small sticks for walls*
A critter keeper or jar with holes in the lid
A plastic spoon
Some critters
A small bit of fruit or vegetable
Design your maze:
You can make:
a maze with an entrance and exit (cut a hole in the side of the box) *featured left
or
make a reward maze where the critter gets a reward when they reach the center of the maze (a small bit of fruit or vegetable) featured right
Search for Critters
Once your maze is complete it’s time to locate some critters. This requires a caring, gentle touch so be sure to talk to your children about respecting the critters before you set out. Equipped with a plastic spoon and jar or critter keeper, search carefully in the grass, on plant leaves or carefully under rocks or logs.
*When looking under rocks or logs for critters always roll the rock or log towards you for your own safety & be sure to return the critter to its home when you are finished.
Some Suggested Critters to Observe
Crickets, snails, millipedes, caterpillars, beetles, stink bugs, ladybugs, roly-polies (sow bugs) worms, ants
Ready, Set, Go:
Place the critters into the maze and begin observing!
Some questions you might consider:
How does it move?
How many legs does it have?
What body parts is it using to maneuver through the maze?
What are the antennae being used for?
How are Critter Observation Mazes beneficial?
Children can verbalize their observations, draw or record them.
Children will problem solve as they observe and can make changes to the initial maze, modifying it to reflect their observations-creating taller walls, making the sticks or blocks closer together, increasing or decreasing the width of the exit or adding more or less obstacles.
Children will be entertained endlessly as they watch the critters move and find new ways to add to the maze.
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