MATERIALS:
Weather appropriate clothing. A magnifying glass, your nature journal or a camera (all optional)
TIME FRAME:
A few minutes each day for several days, weeks or months
PROCEDURE:
- While outside, find a spider, other insect or bird and observe it for as long as possible. Does it move? How long do you think you can observe it for? What does its web, nest or home look like? Has it caught anything? Are there eggs in the nest? Does it have patterns or markings on it? Is it camouflaged or bright and colorful?
- Do your best to not disturb your new friend, simply observe it. Remember, we want to let it live it’s life while we observe a period of it and learn a little bit in the process. Remain calm, and remember not to invade it’s “home”. It will be much more friendly that way.
REFLECTION:
What did you choose to observe and why? How long were you able to observe it before it moved on? Did you see anything surprising? Do you think you were being observed at the same time or do you think your creature was unaware you were even there? Why or why not?
IMAGININGS:
Imagine that you are a tiny spider, just hanging out on your petal, enjoying the sun, looking for a meal, when suddenly, this giant appears and is looking at you! Imagine how scary that might be! Now, imagine you are that giant…how might you be able to put that tiny spider at ease? Try different things and see what happens.
xoxo,
M