How to Make an Ant Habitat

Many kids seem fascinated with watching ants go about their tasks. You can build this ant habitat with your children so that they can observe these interesting creatures every day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Large glass jar
• Empty soda can
• Dirt
• Ants
• Piece of a sponge
• Piece of cloth
• Rubber band
• Black construction paper
• Tape
• Dry dog food or small pieces of fruit

1. Place the soda can in the center of the glass jar. Fill the jar with dirt to the top of the soda can. Pack the dirt so that the can can't move. The can should push the dirt up against the sides of the jar and make it easier to see the tunnels the ants will build.
2. Add the ants on top of the dirt. Make sure they are from the same anthill so they don't fight.
3. Wet the sponge and place it on top of the soda can. Keep this moist, but not too wet or the ants will die.
4. Cover the jar with the cloth and secure with a rubber band. Tape the black paper around the jar and the ants will tunnel against the dark sides of the jar. Remove the paper when your kids want to watch the ants. Regularly place food on top of the dirt for the ants to eat.

Tips & Warnings

• It may take about a week for the ants to build tunnels