BUGFEST BABY!
What a morning of creepy crawlies, fascinating facts and a few moments of sheer terror (mainly from the adults)!
The children were SO excited this morning as Nick arrived with an incredible collection of creatures from the Invertebrate Camp! We kicked things off by revisiting our learning on classification before Nick casually dropped the mind-blowing fact that scientists predict there could still be over 10 MILLION minibeasts waiting to be discovered! MIND. BLOWN. (Although, personally, I’m quite happy for some of them to remain undiscovered!)
Nick then began introducing us to his weird and wonderful collection of creepy crawlies. From the cherry-legged millipede to the fearsome scorpion, the masters of disguise that are stick insects to the surprisingly fascinating cockroach, we got up close and personal with an incredible variety of species!
And then... THE BIG GUNS CAME OUT. THE TARANTULAS!
Despite being ever so slightly squeamish (ahem!), I somehow managed to summon the courage to hold not one but TWO tarantulas! Shelley, who made the unfortunate decision to walk through the hall at precisely the wrong moment, also found herself roped into holding one of these terrifyingly delicate eight-legged beauties! Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time!
It was absolutely fascinating to learn about the incredible defence mechanisms these clever creatures possess and how they have adapted and evolved over millions of years. Who knew something so small could be so clever... and so capable of making grown adults question their life choices?!
After a quick break (and a chance for my heart rate to return to normal), it was time for the children to put their newfound knowledge into practice! Their challenge was to invent and illustrate a brand-new creature that they had supposedly discovered, combining features and adaptations from different invertebrates.
And WOW, did their imaginations run wild! From praying mantises crossed with hornets to slugs merged with arachnids, the children created some truly extraordinary beasts! Some were ingenious, some were utterly terrifying and some looked like they belonged in a horror film! Let's just say it's probably for the best that these particular species don't actually exist... the world is quite creepy-crawly enough already!
A MASSIVE thank you to Nick for such a brilliant, engaging and unforgettable workshop! The children were absolutely buzzing (pun very much intended!) and I hope they come home brimming with fascinating facts, wonderful memories and a newfound appreciation for the incredible world of invertebrates.
As for me, I can now officially add TARANTULA HANDLER to my CV. Not something I expected to achieve before lunchtime!
BUGFEST!
