Glow in the Dark Spider Webs Science Experiment

October (or the Halloween month, as we call it!) is the perfect time of year to talk about "creepy" things like spiders and make some fun Glow in the Dark Spider Webs!  Scroll below the instructions for more information about spiders and spider webs.

Simple Supplies: 

* black paper

* glow in the dark paint

* tray or box 

* marble

* spider ring or other spider to play in her new web

Easy How-To:

1.  Place the paper in the tray or box.  This project is wonderful for children 2-5, but some younger children may do better with a box that has tall sides so the marble doesn't jump away.

2.  Let your child choose a color of glow-in-the-dark paint and squirt a little puddle in the middle of the paper.  You could also help with this part!

3.  Let your child drop the marble in and roll/shake the tray or box around until he is happy with his spider web!  Some children may want to make more than one or try different colors.  

4.  Let the paint dry and then let your child play with his spider in the web.  Alternatively, you could glue the spider to the web and hang it in your child's room.  If you really want some glowing action, it is easy to find glow in the dark spiders during the Halloween season.  

A Little More About Spiders:

Before doing this art project, show some pictures of spiders and spider webs. Talk about spiders.  If you have access to a pet store, take a look at some live tarantulas.

Most preschoolers enjoy learning the following about spiders:

* Spiders have eight legs.

* Many spiders have eight eyes.

* Spiders do not have ears, but they can feel sounds with tiny hairs on their bodies.
* Spider "silk" is made by spinnerets on the bottom (abdomen) of the spider.
* When a spider is making a web, it starts out by making some strings that are not sticky.  Then, it adds on many sticky strands so that flies and other insects will get stuck in the web.  Learn more about spider webs here.
* Most spiders are very small, but some can be as big as a dinner plate.
* Spiders are very useful animals because they eat flies and other insects.
* Some spiders are venomous.
* Some spiders do not build webs at all, but jump on their prey instead.
* All spider webs are different.  Some spiders build very fancy webs with symmetrical designs.  Some webs don't have any patterns.  Some webs are very messy.  But all webs look very cool.  (I like to lead into the craft with this last point...all children will create different webs too, but they will all glow and be fun to make!)

This colorful craft/science experiment is perfect for young learners. I'd love to hear about your experience if you try this science project. Leave a comment here or stop by the Preschool Power Packets Facebook page and tell me all about it! 

I may share at any of these parties!