Scented Ropes
Ants have an amazing way to tell each other where to find food. In this activity, pupils become ants and see if they can find their 'food'.
Age Group: 9-12 years
Duration: 20 minutes
Biomimicry Connection:
[not yet]
Activity Details:
Tools and Materials
- 2-3 pieces of 1-1.5 m long hemp or cotton ropes saturated with a strong-smelling volatile oil (e.g., peppermint)
- Blindfolds according to the numbers of the ropes
Description
This activity uses scented ropes to mimic the pheromone trail of ants. For the scented ropes activity, you will need 2-3 pieces of 1-1.5 m long hemp or cotton rope, saturated with a strong-smelling essential oil (e.g., peppermint). Place the ropes in a plastic box, add a few drops of essential oil, replace and lid and leave for the oil to impregnate the rope.
Follow the steps before and pupils will learn one amazing ability of ants.
- Ask 2-3 pupils (according to the number of ropes) to be 'ants.' Blindfold their eyes. Put the ropes on the ground in a non-straight pattern, but not too 'curvy.'
- Guide the students on to their knees and show their noses to an end of one rope. Their task is to go along the rope using the scent, without seeing or touching the rope.
- You may want to put a bunched-up cloth or T-shirt in the students’ hands, so they can’t accidentally feel the rope.