July 2006-- Just Bugging!!!!!

Every kid loves to observe insects and  bugs--so why not make their very own bug jars!

BUG JAR

 
   
Materials Needed:

Empty plastic water or juice bottle
X-acto knife or box cutter
6" piece of netting
Rubber band
Masking, transparent or electrical tape
Scissors
* marker, awl and pop bead if making a stand up bug jar with door opening.

Directions:

1. Have child remove labels from bottle.
2. Have adult cut off bottom of jar for a screw opening jar--this bug jar will not stand up by itself, as if you do stand it up, you cut off the bug's air supply. For a stand up jar, cut off top 1/3 (funnel area) of bottle.  You will also be  cutting a flip open door.
3.  If cutting a flip door, draw a horseshoe shape on bottle side with marker and cut with box cutter.  Use awl to make a hole in door flap and insert pop bead to act as handle.
4.  Place netting over cut bottle opening.
5.  Secure with a rubber band.
6.  Place tape over the rubber band for permanency.
7.  Cut off any excess netting.
8.  Bug jar is now ready to be used to search for caterpillars, cocoons,  moths, lightening bugs, beetles, etc.

*   Bug jars can be decorated with personal designs using permanent markers if desired.