Test the Strength of Spider Webs

Before you begin, go online with your child and read about inventions spiders have inspired, such as medical tape that peels off without hurting a wound. Talk to your child about spider webs and a web’s ability to be stretched tight without breaking. Also, ask them about the animals that fascinate them most, and use that information to encourage your child to dig deeper and learn more about inventions that the animals they like may have inspired.

Now begin making the spider webs out of different materials! Help your child cut out the center of both of the paper plates. Then, punch holes around the rim of one of the plates.

Cut 12 feet of yarn and pull one end of it through one of the holes on the paper plate. Help your child tape it down on the back of the plate rim to hold the yarn in place.

Put the other end of the yarn through another hole on the opposite side of the plate. Help your child continue going back and forth across the plate weaving the yarn through all of the holes. Try not to leave any large gaps. While you’re weaving the web, ask your child questions such as, "Do you think that all species of spiders make the same shaped webs? How can we find out?" When you’ve woven the last part, tape it to the back of the plate rim. This is the first spider web!

Take your second plate rim and help your child make a similar web pattern using dry spaghetti noodles. Carefully place and tape the noodles one at a time to the plate rim. It may be most effective to tape the noodles to the back of the plate rim.

Now, invite your child to test the strength of each web. Place the web made from yarn between the seat of two kitchen chairs. Tape down the paper plate rim or use a heavy object to hold the plate in place on each chair. Place the rocks one at a time on top of the web. Talk with your child as you experiment. Ask your child, "How many rocks does it hold before it breaks? Does it break at all?" (If you prefer, you can also do this experiment outside by holding the plate with your two hands while your child places objects on top.)

Next, have your child place the spaghetti web between the seat of two kitchen chairs. Tape down the paper plate rim. Place the rocks one at a time on top of the web. Talk with your child as you do the experiment. Ask your child, "What happens when you place the rocks down? Does the web break? Which web appears to be stronger?"

Share what you discovered with your friends and family. Then, go online and learn more about the amazing inventions spider silk has inspired, such as stronger threads or environmentally-friendly fabrics.