This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Orkin Ecologist. All opinions are 100% mine.
“An apple a day keeps the Dr. away.” We’ve all heard that familiar phrase. After researching some fun facts on the Orkin Ecologist site, I discovered that we could practically replace “apple” with “insect”. Sound crazy?
According to Orkin Ecologist, eighty percent of the world’s countries eat bugs as part of their diet. Many societies consider them a delicacy in fact. Are you grossed out? I’m with you. 🙂 You may have heard that insects are high in protein and fat, and it’s true. So next time you’re deficient, grab a grub. 🙂
With Halloween coming quickly, and because kids love creepy crawly things, I thought it’d be fun to come up with a craft centered around them, and even better, one that involved eating them. After all, it’s the only time of year when it’s fun to get the heebie jeebies. Don’t worry, though, no actual bugs were harmed in the making of this product. 🙂 I took the pansy way out and bought some fun “Gummy Creepy Crawlers” at Target. I figured my kids would probably appreciate my doing so. They enjoy playing with and catching bugs and all, but I’m pretty sure they draw the line at “eating”.
And thus the “Creepy Crawly Countdown” was born. It’s filled with 28 labeled mini “specimen” containers wherein lie the yummy critters. I wish there was one for every day of October, but since there’s not, we can simply start the countdown on day 3 of the month…no biggie.
Now I realize that we’re a few weeks into the month, but that just means that the kids will get some extra protein while they catch up on the countdown. 🙂
Each day, the kiddos can open a section to find a tasty crawly surprise, or maybe some delicious spider eggs instead.
Did you know that tarantulas have hairs on their abdomen that they can launch at a perceived threat? Eek! Makes me shutter just thinking about it.
Then, flip it over to find an interesting fact-of-the-day about insects. My daughter and I found a wealth of information on the Orkin Ecologist site. We had a great time researching and learning together. Did you know that a single bee can visit 10 to 15 flowers a minute and up to 5,000 in a single day? Amazing!
The Orkin Ecologist is a fantastic resource for both novice and experienced science lovers. Check it out for more fun bug trivia, and while you’re there, feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts.
{MATERIALS}
Paper cutter
Glue gun
Orange and Black Cardstock
Black spider stickers (I found mine at Target)
Black wide ribbon (I found mine at Hobby Lobby)
Embellishment Organizer (from Hobby Lobby-it will have 28 mini containers inside)
Circle punchers (1 7/8″)
Glue stick
Countdown container contents:
BUGS-Gummy Creepy Crawlers (I found mine in the Halloween section at Target)
SPIDER EGGS-Jelly Beans
For the medallion, follow THIS simple tutorial, but use three strips that are 2 1/8″ wide. Punch two 1 7/8″” circles with your orange Cardstock and glue one to the top and the other to the bottom of the medallion to hold in place. Print and punch the “Creepy Crawly Countdown” label, using a 1 7/8″ circle punch, or simply free-hand a circle and cut around the label. Glue the label to a section of black Cardstock and cut around with scalloped scissors, leaving a decorative black edge showing. Glue to the middle of your medallion.
Measure and cut your ribbon so it will cover the side lip of the lid, then run across the top to the other side lip. Using your hot glue gun, glue the ribbon to the lid of your container. Then glue the medallion to the ribbon.
Hot glue your spider stickers to the top of the container for a better hold. Print and cut out your countdown numbers. Using a glue stick, glue the numbers to the mini containers, starting at the top of the first section and then, unscrewing each and gluing to the bottom of the same section, then the bottom of the next section…etc. This is a perfect time to get the kids involved again!
There should be a number on the very top and then one on the bottom of the top section also. The other sections will just have a number on the bottom of each.
This is a perfectly fun Halloween project to do with kids! Let them fill the mini specimen containers with bugs (gummy candies) and spider eggs (jelly beans)!
Each section contains 5 mini containers that screw together-each one acting as a lid for the next.
Did you know that most effective drugs contain elements originating from insects? Certain bugs are used to help treat arthritis, warts, and inflammatory diseases. Crazy, but so cool!
Did you know that female bees are the only ones that sting? And only male crickets chirp. Who would have thought.
The grub-filled containers just waiting to be enjoyed.
It’s an entertaining way for kids to start the day-by eating a bug! Gotta love Halloween-time.
Did you learn something new about insects today? Visit The Orkin Ecologist for tons more fascinating ecology facts, including some great science fair project ideas for kids of all ages!
And, if you’re looking for a great way to put bugs on the menu at your place, I’ve heard that chocolate-covered ants aren’t too shabby. MMMmmmmmmmm….dessert. 🙂
