The Study of Ants Science Experiment

The Study of Ants

Science Experiments we use as a homeschool family.

In some ways, ants are a lot like humans. That is, they tend to have a particular destination in mind, and they can keep track of where their going . They know what turns to take, they can remember where to walk and what to avoid, and they know their way back home. Observing ant behavior is a fun and easy way for kids to learn about how insects act. This experiment also provides a safe way for kids to involve themselves in the activity and see if they can influence the ants’ behavior.

What you'll need:

•  Ants!
• Ant Bait (the jar of a lid with some honey or sugar water)
• Obstruction (a building block, small book, small piece of wood)
• Journal

Instructions:

The first thing you’ll need to do is find some ants and determine their path. Chances are, they’ll be moving back and forth between their anthill and some kind of food source. In warm weather, finding ants should not be difficult! Take your child to where the ants are and simply watch them for a while.
Ask your child where the ants are coming from, where they’re headed, and what they seem to be doing. Make notice of how they seem to know and remember their path so well!
Next, set your ant bait nearby. Watch what they do. More than likely, one ant will go investigate it, report back to the others, and then lead more of them to where the bait is set! Have your child observe the ants’ behavior carefully; then, set the obstacle in the way. Watch how the ants react, and see how long it takes them to find a new path.
After a while, remove the obstruction and then see what happens! Talk with your child about the ants’ behavior, and note how magnificently they remember their routes and find new paths when they are obstructed.
Use the journal to keep notes about what's happening along the way.