How to Build Cocoons
Arts and crafts not only are a way to get your children to work together through cooperation and mutual goals, but also a great way for a family to work on a project together. Cocoon building is not a common arts and crafts project, but there are several ways you and your family can build a cocoon and help teach your children about the beauty of nature. Children will learn how insects turn into butterflies, and what a cocoon means to a butterfly's survival.
Things You'll Need
- Tape 1 carton dozen eggs Glue String Markers Pipe cleaner Paint String Tissue paper Glue Thumb tacks Brown paper bag Empty cardboard tube Construction paper
Instructions
-
-
1
Take an egg carton, cut the top off, and then cut it in half so six of the egg holders are on each side. Cut those two sections in half; these will be your caterpillars.
-
2
Paint the caterpillars using any color you like. The more colors and the brighter their caterpillar, the more fun it will be for children.
-
-
3
Attach the pipe cleaners to the caterpillar to make its legs and antennae.
-
4
Place the caterpillar inside the paper bag, and explain to your children that the paper bag is the caterpillar's cocoon. Roll the paper bag up, and using your string and thumb tack, fasten it to the ceiling out of everyone's reach. This builds excitement, curiosity and gives children something to look forward to.
-
5
Construct a butterfly out of household items such as an empty cardboard tube (for its body), construction paper (for its wings), and pipe cleaner (for its antennae and legs). When your children are not around, replace the caterpillar in the bag with your butterfly. Wait a couple of days, open the cocoon and everyone will see the caterpillar emerge as a butterfly.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit butterfly image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
