Building a bug hotel
Objectives:
- Learning about pollinators.
- Improving the nature connection and knowledge.
- Feeling empowered by doing something for the nature yourself.
Preparation: Collecting liquid cartons and other materials.
Tools needed: Liquid cartons, hollow plant stems, cardboard straws, pieces of discarded wood and cardboard (icicle sticks, skewers etc, corrugated cardboard etc),, glue gun, scissors and utility knifes, string/metal wire and pliers
Description
Begin by cutting open the carton with the utility knife 2 cm from the side edges. It helps to finish each corner cut until the very end of this step so the carton does not lose structural integrity.
Wash out any remnants of a liquid from the carton and wipe it dry.
Measure and cut the hollow stems until they just fit inside the carton. Stuff the carton full of the cut stems and other materials, adding in straw if needed to keep it all tightly packed.
Glue icicle sticks and other wood material to create a roof and decorations.
Punch two holes through the back top of carton and tie a string/wire through it. Then secure the bug hotel on a tree at 1-2 meters height from the ground. The bug hotel should not swing in the wind. Alternatively, use outdoor-quality glue to secure the bug hotel to a piece of wood which then gets mounted to the sturdy surface as needed at the same height.
A discussion about pollinators, food chains and biodiversity can happen during the building process. Also monitoring the hotels afterwards is a great opportunity to talk with children.
Variations
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Resources
Comments
For smaller children, adult assistance is needed for cutting, glueing and mounting.
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