Get the children excited with this 3D game of counting bugs!
There is something fun and exciting about counting when items are hidden or in a jar! This isn’t a complicated activity and can be reused for different purposes.
All you need is a couple of mason jars and some small plastic bugs. Fill each jar with water and different amounts of bugs and seal it up. You can change things up by adding sparkles or colored water. Make sure there is a strong seal on the jar when you are finished. Plot their guesses on paper and then compare to the right answer.
This activity supports many different areas besides math. The children will have to take turns, chat with their friends and it can spark ideas for creativity in other areas of the classroom.
Materials
For each jar you will need:
Mason jar
Food coloring
Small plastic bugs
Water
Piece of paper
Marker
Book – “Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!” By Bob Barner (Optional)
Learning Outcomes
Domain
Cognitive
Skills
Counting
Indicators:
Counting in a meaningful way in play and daily living
Instructions
Step 1:
Fill up the Mason jar with water
Step 2:
Have a couple of children gather at a table
Step 3:
Add any food coloring of choice – not too much, just enough to tint the water. You can also add in sparklers for extra fun
Step 4:
Add in several bugs and seal tightly – Could hot glue for extra security. Repeat this for a couple of jars so you have variety with different amounts. Number the jars.
Step 5:
Have the children guess how many are in each jar and plot their guess down on the paper
Step 6:
Finally let them count how many are in them and plot it against their guess.
Step 7:
Read the book “Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!” to inspire more ideas
Playful Questions
How many bees do you count? (can change depending on the types of bugs in the jars)
What color is the water?
What is your favorite type of bug?
Where do bugs live?
How many bugs are there in all the jars?
