A magnifying glass makes it easy to observe the ants. Be careful about using the magnifying glass in direct sunlight or you may have fried ants! Ants prefer darkness so you’ll want to keep the jar in a shaded location. Ants are sensitive to vibrations, so once you create their new home, don’t move it around. Too much movement stresses ants and they will die sooner.
Have your child observe one ant closely for several minutes and record what he sees. An ant’s body is divided into 3 segments, the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. The head is connected to the thorax by a very skinny neck. The thorax is connected to the abdomen at the waist. Ants don’t have skeletons; instead, they have rigid outer shells that protect their inner organs. Using the magnifying glass, your child will be able to see the ants mouth and watch how it’s jaws work. Ants use their jaws the way humans use their hands, for carrying, digging, and tearing off bits of food. The eyes will be easily identifiable. Most ants have 2 eyes; some have 5 and some ants have no eyes at all. Blind ants use their antennae to feel their way around their world.
All ants will continually wave their antennae. Ants use their antennae to discover information about the world and the objects they encounter. Using their antennae, they can detect the size of objects and determine whether they can climb over it or if they will have to go around it. The abdomens of some ants contain stingers. Ant stings can burn and will become slightly raised red bumps at the site of the sting. An ant sting will itch for a few say and it may become infected, but it is rarely a health threat. If you do get stung, wash the area with soap and water as soon as you can. Apply a past of baking soda and water or calamine lotion to the sting. There are over the counter anti-itch creams that may be applied as needed.