This activity will expose youth to the biodiversity of the most diverse group of animals through background research and a hands on activity involving creating a bug “hotel”. Participants will build their own bug hotel from natural and household materials, creating a structure with a variety of habitats available for local insects. The activity has room for the creative freedom of participants along with some inspiration/guidance provided using examples. Observations should be made daily to record what species you find and the location in the bug hotel where they were found (inside on a specific substrate, on top, or underneath the structure). By the end of the week hopefully you will have been able to spot a few different species of insects in your own backyard and compile a list of species!
Science Venture is a network member organization of Actua. Actua provides training, resources and support to its national network of members located at universities and colleges across Canada in the delivery of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education outreach programming. Each year, these members engage over 460,000 youth in 600 communities nationwide. Please visit Actua at www.actua.ca.