Learn to identify spiderwebs + Make a geoboard
Learning Extension Ideas
Preschool (ages 2-4)
Go on a nature walk (preferably in the Spring) and look for pollinators at work.
Purchase Bug Figurine set to:
Recreate a spider web using string and spider figures. Make a large-scale version using a laundry basket, putting stuffed toys or other soft objects tucked inside for your toddler to reach in and get.
Create a sensory bin filled with rubber bands or yard scraps and bug figures. Invite your toddler to use tongs, tweezers, or a spoon to rescue the bugs from the spiders webby mess.
Create some black homemade play dough and design a spider. Print and laminate our printable spider playdough mat here.
Use string to create a large scale spiderweb. It could even be used as part of an obstacle course!
Check out our Spiderweb Guide to talk about 5 types of webs
Make a recycled bug - try a spider!
Make hand puppets and sing the Itsy Bitsy Spider
Free Spider Printables
Elementary (ages 5-10)
SCIENCE
In the video, we learned about 5 types of spiderwebs. Use the web guide and accompanying cut and paste worksheet to help you remember the types.
Go on a few nature walks this week and take your nature journal with you. Can you spot a spider’s web? If so, draw it and label what kind of web you think it might be.
Design a poster to illustrate which spiders are harmful and which are not
Research a type of spider (Black Widow, Tarantula, Orb Weaver, etc) and draw it. Be sure to label the parts.
TECHNOLOGY + ENGINEERING
In the video, we learned that not all spiders use webs to capture their prey. Can you draw a spider that has adaptations suited for killing insects- by jumping? By climbing? By setting other kinds of traps?
Designers, architects and engineers have long been fascinated by spiders and their ability to produce strong webs. Some have used spider silk to produce fishing nets. Can you think of other product uses for spider’s silk?
MATH
In the video we learned that spiders have 8 legs, and that most also have 8 eyes. But the Brown Recluse only has 6! Can you solve this story problem?
A group of 10 spiders were found on the back porch: 6 orb weavers and 4 Brown Recluse. How many total spider legs were there? How many eyes?
Make a recycled bug - try a spider!
Make your own spiderweb obstacle course
Rewrite the Itsy Bitsy Spider song