Nature Camp Day 4: Ladybugs

Today at camp we learned all about Ladybugs! We started off with reading a very interesting book called Are You a Ladybug? The kids loved it! It explains the life cycle of the ladybug (much like the ant and caterpillar, it also goes through metamorphosis) and what ladybugs like to eat the most (aphids). The primary children were fascinated to know that a female ladybug could eat 70 aphids a day while a male ladybug may only eat 40. They were also glad to know that ladybugs are especially helpful for the garden plants. The toddlers read 'Five Little Ladybugs' and laughed at the silly rhymes. 

Examining a ladybug we found in the garden. 

After reading it was time for art projects. The little ones made a lady bug out of stickers and paper plates. 

The older ones painted ladybugs onto paper plates. And they had fun creating using beads and pipe cleaners.

Soon, it was time for snack. We made ladybugs using apple slices, sunbutter and raisins.

In the garden we had fun experimenting with bubbles. We tried a new mixture today. The recipe was: 6 cups of water, 2 cups of dishwashing detergent and 1 cup of corn syrup. The bubbles were very 'sturdy' and the children were delighted they could catch the bubbles in their hands. 

We also did something I have been wanting to try for a while. We made a giant waterbed out of a tarp and duct tape! This idea came from the awesome blog 'Play at Home Mom' I highly recommend checking it out for fun ideas to do at home this summer. 

More outdoor fun...

A great time was had by all, and we are looking forward to learning about insect camouflage tomorrow!