STEM PB #6 - Hey, Little Ant

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One of my favorite Citizen Science activities with kids involves ants, so this picture book really appealed to me! Although you may need to take another look at this one in the spring, I wanted to share it now. It would also make a great hook for a study on where insects go in the winter!

Featured Picture Book:
Hey, Little Ant (1998)
By Phillip and Hannah Hoose (@PhillipHoose)
Illustrated by Debbie Tilley

Summary
A boy and an ant have a discussion about whether the boy should step on the ant. They compare aspects of their lives that are similar and different. The final decision is left up to the reader!

Related Themes:
SEL:
Taking the perspective of others
Caring about others
Peer pressure
Similarities and differences

Science:
Insect studies

STEM Ideas:
1. There is a great lesson on Mystery Science that you could tie in after reading this book called Where do bugs go in winter? 

2. Here are my lesson slides that incorporate the Mystery Science video and an engineering challenge with Hex Bugs!

3. Engineer a safe trap to bring with you on a picnic so no ants get harmed. Use recyclable materials during the design process!

4. Plan out, write a script, and record a video convincing the boy to save the ant.

5. Create a green screen project (either video or just still photos) where the kids are small like ants. DoInk is my favorite app for these types of projects, but you could use whatever green screen app you like!

6. Bring live ants/ant farm into your classroom for student observations! Here is a great site with ideas and support. Or take your kids out into nature to do some ant observations - make sure you bring the hand lenses and science notebooks!

Do you have other ideas? I'd love to hear about them in the comments! #BetterTogether