My children and I are addicted to watching things hatch and grow. We name all the animals and insects who become members of our family for the time that they're with us. However, I'm not so fond of pet and cage care. Here are some easy-to-care-for homeschool science pets that my family has hosted over the years.
Easy Homeschool Science Pets
- Painted Lady caterpillars to butterflies
- Bullfrog tadpoles to frogs
- Earth worms in compost
- Harvester ants
- Honeybees or gentle mason bees
- Wooly Bear caterpillar
- yellow Virginia Wooly Bear caterpillar
- "Aquasaurs" Triops longicaudatus
- Forest Wolf spider
Some of the animals we've caught outdoors and others we've purchased as larvae or eggs, typically as part of animal science kits. Some of the creatures we released and some we kept throughout their short lifespans.
If you consider releasing a grown frog, for example, it's important to check with your local wildlife agency to make sure it's safe and legal to do so. Some animals can outcompete local species or overconsume plantlife, and thus harm your local habitat.
Traditional Pets - Experiments with Cats and Dogs
My family also has two cats and a dog who have all happily engaged in behavioral experiments with my children. You may have seen Scientific Explorer's Fun with Your Cat Science Kit (or Pamper Your Dog). Our old Burmese kitty amazed my children with her immediate awareness of new scents in the house, as well as her quick learning to jump through a hoop for a treat.
We've picked up numerous books and videos at our local library on behavior and care of our house pets. My kids know quite a lot about our animals, perhaps too much--"coprophagia" was a favorite term for a while.
Farm Animals - Field Trips
You may be lucky enough to have farm animals. I grew up with horses, goats, chickens and turkeys and wanted my children to have some experience with these animals even though we don't have a farm. So, we take advantage of the frequent petting zoos (real camels at the annual nativity!) and farmer's market visitors (baby alpacas!). My daughter's have also taken pony riding classes through our town recreation department.
You're children can benefit from observing the natural habits of any animal whether you bring them indoors or just watch for a few moments in nature. Bringing an animal into your home, naming it, talking to it, and watching it everyday adds a personal aspect to the relationship between your child and the animal, which may lead to a more lasting experience.
You might also enjoy:
- Using the Scientific Method with Kids
- Hands On Citizen Science for Kids
- Entomology: Bug Science Printables
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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