Antlions in the Classroom: Starting the Year with Wonder

Few things hook students faster than a living mystery. Put a cup of sand with a strange little cone on each desk, ask them to observe — and watch the questions pour out.

Curiosity first

Most students have never heard of a "doodlebug." That unfamiliarity is a gift: it turns observation into genuine inquiry as they figure out what made the pit and what's hiding at the bottom.

Real science skills

Antlions are perfect for practicing observation, questioning, and hypothesis-making — the heart of how science actually works. Our free teacher resources include a ready-to-run lesson plan and student worksheets.

Easy to manage

They're quiet, low-maintenance, and safe. Feed about once a week, keep the sand dry, and let the antlions do the teaching.