Bugging Insects

[30 Minutes]

Instead of insects bugging you, why don't you "bug" an insect? Listen to insects using a simple chamber that amplifies the sounds they make.

You'll need:

• paper cup or foam cup • waxed paper • elastic band

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through together before you begin.
2. Together, gather everything you'll need and always remember science safety.
3. With your child, go outside and capture an insect. Explain to your child that after you listen to the insect you will release it back to its environment.
4. Help your child stretch a piece of waxed paper over the top of the cup and secure the paper in place with an elastic band. The waxed paper
5. should be pulled tight across the top.
6. Ask your child to hold the cup next to her ear and listen to the beat of the insects wings. Can she hum along to the beat?
7. When you have finished listening to the insect, carefully release it.
8. With your child ponder these questions: Do different insects sound different? In what ways do they sound different? Can you imitate the
9. sounds you hear?

Useful information:

The insect amplifier increases the volume of the sound of an insect's wings beating. The beating wings cause the air in the amplifier chamber to vibrate; in turn, the air moves the waxed paper covering the cup. An insect which works well in the chamber and is easy to catch is the mosquito. A mosquito's wings flap 300 times per second. A honey bee's wings flap about 250 times per second and a fly's flap 190 times per second.