Cicada Activities for Kids

Cicadas are fascinating creatures that spark the curiosity of children due to their unique life cycles and loud, distinctive songs. Educating children about cicadas can be both fun and informative, and using the right resources, such as the book Cecily Cicada, can make the learning experience even more engaging. Here are some ideas for teaching kids about cicadas in a memorable way.

Introduction to Cicadas

Start by introducing what cicadas are. Explain that cicadas are insects known for the loud chirping sounds the males make. They are fascinating creatures because they spend most of their life underground and come out only at certain times, depending on the species. Some cicadas come out every year, while others, like the periodical cicadas, emerge every 13 or 17 years.

Story Time with Cecily Cicada

Use the book Cecily Cicada by Kita Helmetag Murdock as a central teaching tool. This book can help children connect emotionally with cicadas by following the life of Cecily, a cicada character who emerges from the ground after 17 years. Read the story aloud to the children, allowing them to hear about Cecily’s journey and adventures including the transformation she goes through.

Learning The Life Cycle of A Cicada

After reading the story, discuss the life cycle of cicadas. Use illustrations from the book as well as fill in the blank templates to help students understand the changes that a cicada goes through. Emphasize the longevity of the nymph stage underground and the transformation into an adult. This is a great opportunity to talk about patience and growth, themes that can be related back to their own lives.

"Navigating the Underground: The Cicada's Journey" Activity

After discussing the life cycle of cicadas and their fascinating underground phase, provide each student with a maze showing underground tunnels. Each maze comes to life with a cicada cutout attached to a binder clip, which students will use to guide the cicada through the twists and turns using a magnet wand.

This tactile challenge not only reinforces their understanding of the cicada's journey but also enhances their fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.

"Climb Like a Cicada: Engineering Insect Legs" Activity

In the "Climb Like a Cicada: Engineering Insect Legs" activity, students will delve into the world of biomimicry by crafting functional legs for a paper cicada. This hands-on project starts with an engaging lesson on the anatomy of a cicada, focusing on their specialized tarsal claws that allow them to cling to tree bark.

Using a paper towel roll wrapped in brown felt to simulate a tree trunk, students are tasked with engineering legs from pipe cleaners that can attach to the "tree." This creative challenge not only teaches them about the unique physical adaptations of cicadas but also introduces basic engineering concepts as they design, test, and refine their models to ensure their cicadas can hold on tight, just like in nature.

Teaching kids about cicadas using a resource like Cecily Cicada adds a narrative element that makes learning more engaging. By combining storytelling with science, children can gain a comprehensive understanding of these intriguing insects while developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.

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