Unplugged Project~Insect

August 31, 2008

I keep telling myself, and all of you, that it was just a really busy week. Next week we’ll get it together and things will go smoothly. But I think I’m being naive. It’s not just a busy week. Somehow it’s just busy.

I’m working on adjusting to that, but in the meantime my creativity is definitely suffering.

The theme for this week’s Unplugged Project was “insect”.

So here is ours.

I found it outside in the gravel while I was hanging laundry to dry, and somehow, managed to catch it without touching it or screaming. (Although I did jump a few times)

So I brought it in and decided this was just going to have to be our project for the week because I did not have the time or energy for anything else. Sorry all of you who were looking for some artistic inspiration.

The girls brought out their nature journals and did their best drawings of our new friend.

They had fun drawing, and then we pulled out our Nature Study Guide to see what we could find.

I really hope we didn’t mis-identify this thing because that would just be depressing, but here is what we learned:

Miss A was very impressed with the fact that we had a Woolly Bear Caterpillar, but as soon as we got to the part about it turning into a moth and not a butterfly she was DONE.

She said “But Mom, I’m afraid of moths!”

I quickly assured her that we would not keep it long enough to see it turn into a moth and then she was okay.

**In case you’re wondering, her fear of moths is ALL my fault.

A couple of summers ago, the girls and I came home after dark without Daddy, and while unlocking the front door, a moth flew into my ear! I’m not making this up. It was stuck in there for like ten minutes, pounding it’s wings a hundred miles an hour right against my eardrum.

I COMPLETELY. FREAKED. OUT.

And of course Miss A witnessed the whole thing. For future reference, if you get a moth in your ear, you should immediately drown it with a glass of water. There’s your insect lesson for the week.

ANYWAY, although I don’t know if this counts as a PROJECT, we had fun, the girls learned something, and it was a very relaxed, peaceful time.

For some more inspiring insect projects, check this out.

11 Friendly Notes

Nature Mama —

August 31, 2008 @ 11:19 pm

What a great find! Love the drawings to We haven’t done much nature journaling this summer but this makes me want to get them out again

Christie —

August 31, 2008 @ 11:34 pm

I love this little guy. He is very cute and my girls would love him too.
We don’t have many great insects here. Lots of spiders and mosquitos!

Shawna —

September 1, 2008 @ 12:43 am

Sounds like a project to me! And a hilarious moth story to boot… I will be sure to remember the water tip should the need arise! (PS I like moths, but oh man I think I would have truly freaked out it it were me.)

Julie K in Taiwan —

September 1, 2008 @ 2:33 am

I would totally freak out as well! Bugs are not allowed in my body, nor are they encouraged to even fly nearby. *shivers* But those are great journal entries and drawings!

Bobbie —

September 1, 2008 @ 2:48 am

so funny.. cute project you got there I have never heard of a woolly bear I suppose they all have names….

Michie —

September 1, 2008 @ 3:59 am

I think that counts as a project! There was an insect involved, and you all learned something! Plus, I think the nature journals are cool. The moth in the ear, however, is not cool!

Dana —

September 1, 2008 @ 6:20 am

When I saw the photo, I thought it was a wooly bear so I believe you’re right!

What a scary story about the moth in your ear! This isn’t nearly as bad, but years ago I went to open the front door and a cicada was there (but I didn’t know it). So, it buzzed in my hand. I screamed & screamed & screamed… I wonder why none of the neighbors came running.

sis-in-law —

September 1, 2008 @ 9:13 am

I just have to say, that pic you took of the caterpillar is awesome! It’s really neat looking…for a creepy caterpillar. (they give me the heebie jeebies!)