SPIDERS ARE ARACHNIDS Gr. 3-4

Introduce your students to the world of arachnids, the most fascinating of nature's small creatures. Information sheets are included for characteristics of spiders, spinning webs, eggs and spiderlings, food, and enemies. Different species of spiders researched in this unit are Trapdoor, Fisher, Wolf, Jumping, Crab, Tarantula and Black Widow. Brainstorm in small groups or with the whole class to create charts on "Things We Know About Spiders" and "Things We'd Like to Find Out About Spiders". As the unit continues and the students learn more, they can add or change any information on the charts. Take a walk around the school yard and neighbourhood to etch and record on an observation chart the types of spiders and webs found. Follow up activities focus on these skills: research, creativity, and word knowledge.