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How to Make Bug Boxes

Creating bug boxes is a fun and creative activity for kids which can help teach science and illuminate the insect world. They require only a couple of household materials and will last a long time. You can collect anything from grasshoppers and centipedes to lightning bugs, butterflies, moths and more.

Things You'll Need

Cardboard shoe box
Plastic wrap
Scissors
Strong masking tape
Grass, twigs, leaves, etc.

Instructions

- 1
  Take the lid off the cardboard shoe box. Cut a rectangle out from the lid that measures 3 inches wide by 6 inches long.
- 2
  Turn the lid over so the bottom is facing you. Lay a piece of plastic wrap taut over the opening. Tape around all four sides of the plastic wrap to secure it tightly to the underside of the lid, creating a viewing window. Make sure you tape all edges securely so bugs cannot escape. You may also use glue.
- 3
  Poke three holes into each side of the box, making sure they are not large enough for the bugs to escape. This is to allow the bugs to breathe.
- 4
  Place the lid back onto the shoe box to make sure it still fits securely. Add grass, twigs, hay or leaves to the bottom of the shoebox.
- 5
  Add bugs and keep the lid shut. Observe the bugs through the plastic wrap viewing window.

Insects & Science