Spider Experiment!

T loves spiders! I am, however, not a fan!

For about 3 weeks, T waved hello and goodbye to a large banana spider (at least I hope it was a banana spider) who had made its home on the bush right outside of the garage. He watched her eat bugs and occasionally move from one spot to another. He named her "Spidey." When two women came to solicit a vote for their candidate, they were alarmed by our little friend and kindly offered to kill her. AAAH! I told them if they did such a thing, they will be taking the life of my son's pet. :) We all had a good laugh, well, mainly me, but whatever. :)

(Spidey's orb web)

We came home yesterday and the spider was gone! T noticed before I did! I wasn't sure what to do at first. N's response? "Man, I can't believe the fish outlived the spider." I mean, this spider business is serious around our house. T had a thousand questions about where the spider went and if she was coming back one day. We went to sleep singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider."

HAVE NO FEAR! TEACHER MOMMY IS HERE! It all came rushing back to me! When I taught kindergarten, we would "catch spider webs!" I brought home a piece of white construction paper, we picked up a can of black spray paint from the Depot, and got ready for our experiment!

Here is what you do:

1.    Spray paint directly on the web (about 6 inches away.) The paint sticks to the web.
2.    Put the large paper behind the web and pull the paper forward. Don't go too slow! The web sticks to the paper!
3.    Taa da! You have caught a web!

*Black paint works great on white paper. White paint is best on black paper. I have used orange paint, but is not as cool.
*Construction paper works best. I have tried poster board, and it just doesn't stick as well.
*Want to keep it as a decoration? Laminate it!

Needless to say, T loved it! He would touch it, stare at it, touch it again, and ask about each and every little part. We had a few bug remains and leaves-a bonus if you will!

I'll be taking this to school tomorrow to show my firsties. Maybe will inspire my little scientists!

This experiment is easy and fun! Give it a try and let me know how it goes! For more info on spider webs, visit National Geographic Kids!