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  • Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)

    Step 1

    Begin by asking the child to list all the reasons they think spiders make webs. Explain that spiders use webs to catch food and to live in. Show pictures or videos of different spider webs to illustrate their diversity. Ask questions like:

    • What shapes do you notice in these spider webs?
    • How do you think spiders make their webs so strong?

    Explain that spiders need to construct strong webs to withstand weather conditions such as wind and rain, and to ensure their prey doesn’t escape once it’s caught.

    Step 2

    Advise the child they will be creating their own spider web using craft materials. Before starting, have them consider the materials and design they should use to make sure their web stays strong and can catch prey effectively.

  • Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)

    Step 1

    Depending on the child’s level of confidence and desire to experiment, you may invite them to begin constructing their web without guidance. However, if they are wanting some support, suggest they use icy pole sticks to form a base (by placing three sticks across each other, rotated at angles to form the shape of a star, and securing them at the centre with string, tape or glue).

    Step 2

    Demonstrate how the yarn/string can be weaved around the icy pole sticks to form a web,starting from the centre and working outwards. Explain that spiders use strong silk and weaving techniques to spin their webs.

    Step 3

    Encourage the child to experiment with different patterns and shapes, mimicking the diversity seen in spider webs. Explain to the child that some spiders like orb spiders make round webs between rocks or branches, while others like funnel webs create tunnel-like webs.

    Step 4

    As the child wraps the yarn, discuss the shapes they are creating, encouraging them to think about how the design helps the web to remain strong. Ask them questions like:

    • How can you make the web stronger?
    • What shape are you creating now?
    • Why do you think spiders use this shape in their webs?
    Step 5

    After completing the spider web, ask the child to reflect on their design. Questions could include:

    • What challenges did you face while making the spider web?
    • How does your web compare to real spider webs?

    How could we test its strength?

Showcase

– Sharing the outcomes (15+ mins)
Select any option from the table or try our recommendation.

  • Make

    Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.

    Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involved sharing their insights and reflections. This may include filming each step of the flower-pressing process or the child explaining the parts of the flower that they have labelled on their flower-press diagram.

    Compile photos, drawings and notes from the activity into a scrapbook, highlighting what has been learned and enjoyed.

    Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.

  • Discuss

    Choose an object or aspect of the activity to present to the rest of the family, explaining its significance and what they learned.

    Choose a thought-provoking question or topic related to the activity and hold a family debate or discussion to explore different perspectives.

    Sit down together to discuss the activity, allowing each family member to share their thoughts, discoveries and questions.

    Have each family member prepare a short presentation about what they have learned, using visuals like drawings or props to illustrate key points.

  • Write

    If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.

    Create a story or interactive role-play inspired by the child’s spider web design. This could involve imagining a spider building its web or exploring why spiders make webs. Encourage the child to use their spider web as a starting point for their story or support them to write a text with interesting spider facts.

    Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.

    If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.

  • Plan

    Brainstorm ideas for a follow-up activity or experiment inspired by what has been learned during the initial activity.

    Take time to reflect on how the activity could inspire new goals, discussing ways to incorporate similar experiences into your routine in the future.

    If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.

    If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.

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