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Insect Symphony

Activity

Mimicking Bug Sounds to Create Your Own Nature Orchestra

Go on a nature walk and listen closely for the sounds insects make, like crickets chirping, bees buzzing, or grasshoppers clicking. Close your eyes and try to mimic the sound with your own voice or make your own “insect instruments” by tapping twigs together, clapping your hands, or using other natural objects. Create your own insect orchestra with different “bugs” playing different “instruments,” and see what kind of symphony you can make!

Science Seed

Insects use sound in a variety of ways to communicate with each other. Some insects, like crickets, chirp by rubbing their wings together in a process called “stridulation,” while others, like bees, produce a buzzing sound by rapidly flapping their wings. Grasshoppers use their legs to create a clicking noise, and cicadas make loud, distinctive sounds by vibrating special membranes on their abdomen. These sounds serve different purposes, such as attracting mates, warning predators, or marking territory. Each insect species has its own “instrument,” and the sounds they make are essential for survival in their environment.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

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join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

This project was made possible by HEB.