Activity
Create Beetle Mania
Beetles have more described species than any other species of animal kingdom in the world - about 350,000 kinds! They are very important organisms, and your child is more than likely to find beetles, as well as other creepy crawlies, fascinating. Beetles come in many shapes and colors and make inspiring models for this craft project. Here's how your child can create his own beetles to paint and play with!
Grade
Subject
Thank you for your input.
What You Need:
- Plaster of Paris (available at craft stores)
- Box of plastic spoons (at least 20 spoons)
- Craft sticks
- Plastic bowl for mixing the Plaster of Paris
- Acrylic paints
- Paintbrush
What You Do:
- Mix the Plaster of Paris according to instructions, using the craft sticks to mix well.
- Pour the Plaster of Paris into a spoon and let harden overnight. This will be your beetle! Make as many as you want by repeating this step ( I would make 20 – 30 of them as they are fun to paint)
- Once they have been left to dry overnight, pop your beetles out from the spoons (they should slide out). Now you can paint them!
- Try painting lady bugs with red backs and black spots. Flower beetles have bright green backs with white and black stripes half way down their backs, forming in a V pattern. For more ideas on beetle patterns, try doing a simple Internet search. With 350,000 species there are plenty of examples to choose from.
- As you paint, share these fun beetle facts with him to start a discussion about the role of beetles in our world.
Did You Know?
- You can find a beetle in every habitat except the polar regions and the sea. They are everywhere!
- In Egypt the dung beetle or scarab was believe to be sacred and enjoyed a protected life.
- Some beetles, like ladybugs, eat pests and help farmers with their crops. Other beetles eat dead plant material and fungi. Without beetles we would be buried in plant matter.
Related learning resources
Namib Desert Beetle
Worksheet
Namib Desert Beetle
Color the Namib Desert Beetle crawling along the Prickly Pear Cactus plant.
2nd grade
Science
Worksheet
Create a Texture Map
Activity
Create a Texture Map
Your child can create an interactive map of his neighborhood focusing on the different textures he finds!
2nd grade
Arts & crafts
Activity
Glossary: Create Your Own Story
Worksheet
Glossary: Create Your Own Story
Use this glossary with the EL Support Lesson: Create Your Own Story.
2nd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Measurement Mania: Centimeters & Inches
Worksheet
Measurement Mania: Centimeters & Inches
...In this measurement mania worksheet, centimeters and inches are the stars....
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
Create Your Own Pumpkin Person!
Activity
Create Your Own Pumpkin Person!
Include all family members by having them create their very own pumpkin people.
2nd grade
Reading & Writing
Activity
Create Your Own Story
Lesson plan
Create Your Own Story
Provide your ELs with extra practice using transition words to create a story. This activity can be used as a stand alone or a support lesson.
2nd grade
Reading & Writing
Lesson plan
Vocabulary Cards: Create Your Own Story
Worksheet
Vocabulary Cards: Create Your Own Story
Use these vocabulary cards with the EL Support Lesson: Create Your Own Story.
2nd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Measurement Mania: Kilograms
Worksheet
Measurement Mania: Kilograms
Play a kilogram guessing game and get to know this unit of measurement.
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
Measurement Mania: Liters
Worksheet
Measurement Mania: Liters
Try this weight guessing game to help your second grader get to know liters.
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
Measurement Mania: Thermometers
Worksheet
Measurement Mania: Thermometers
Turn up the heat with this measurement worksheet that helps kids learn how to read a thermometer.
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
Measurement Mania: Pounds
Worksheet
Measurement Mania: Pounds
Get your second grader acquainted with pounds, a unit of weight, with this estimation worksheet.
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
Subtraction in the Air #16
Worksheet
Subtraction in the Air #16
Gear up for a little math mania with this 2nd grade worksheet. Kids improve their two-digit subtraction know-how and get a mental math boost, too.
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
See this activity in a set:
Bug Crafts