Ants are experts in burrowing tunnels and teamwork –– behaviours which are fascinating to see up close in a jar. The process of making an ant farm is ideal for teaching children about compassion, and that all animals are important, even the tiny ones!
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Collect some soil and sieve it into a bowl so it is very fine. Mix in a handful of sand and moisten it with a small amount of water. Scoop the soil into a jam jar. This is your ant farm.
Now, it’s time to make some important air holes. Punch some small holes into the lid of the jar using a thin pin.
Hunt around outside for a group of ants. Gently coax some onto a leaf, being careful not to harm them, and then direct them into the jar and screw the lid on.
Keep the farm in a dark, quiet place where the ants can tunnel in peace. Look after the ants by giving them a small amount of sugar, honey or jam every few days. See how they are tunneling and moving about! Be sure to release the ants back into the wild after a week.
