About
this Daily Classroom Special:
Science to Go provides easy yet meaningful
science activities for grades k-8. Science to Go was written
by Barbara Smith, Magnet Coordinator at Harvard Elementary, Houston
(TX) and former Teachers Network web mentor.
Homemade Spider Webs
Objectives
 Compare
and contrast
Follow directions
Use research skills
Materials
Two meters crochet or kite string per student, waxed paper, glue,
research resources about spiders (books, encyclopedias, Internet,
field observations), pencil.
Procedure
Have students research the different types of webs made by different
spider species. Do all spiders make webs? What are the different
types of webs? How many species of spiders are there? What do they
eat? Which ones are found in your local area?
Distribute Materials, and Make Webs
- For 2-dimensional webs (orbs and ladders), outline web on waxed
paper with pencil. For 3-dimensional webs, use objects to lay
the string upon, such as a funnel for funnel and trap door webs.
- Dip string into glue/water mixture (50/50) and lay it over
outlines, making sure strings cross or touch each other.
- Let dry overnight. (Draglines, one type of "fishing line" for
spiders, can be demonstrated before the glue dries!)
- Gently peel web off form or paper.
- Label your web type and hang them in the classroom for an interesting
display!
Discuss how features of different types of webs allow spiders
to occupy different niches in ecosystems.
Website Picks
Discovery Online: Spiders
Interesting facts and statistics about spiders, interactive applet
that labels parts of a spider, simple classification guide, Australian
species project, RealAudio recording.
Ohio State University Extension Factsheet "Spiders
In and Around the House"
Gives good descriptors of classifications with scientific names,
and simple graphics. Good for upper elementary and older.
The Ask Science
Theatre Archive
Michigan State University student volunteers answer readers' science
questions and post answers. Submit your own questions, or read previous
explanations.
About the Graphics
 Spider
graphics on this page are from Ohioline.
Ohioline is a resource production of the Section of Communications
and Technology in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental
Sciences at The Ohio State University. | 
