Ant+Farms

=Making an Ant Farm=


 * The Ant Farm Workshop complements the Juniors' study of communities.**
 * This Ant Farm is featured in the FANTASTIC ANTS Display** **in the Allen Centre.**
 * The Farms were made over 2 lunchtime sessions, with a week between to**
 * allow the plaster to dry before removing the frame.**



=__Instructions:__=

You will need:

 * ===1 200 x 250mm piece of plexiglass===
 * ===1 240 x 270mm piece of ply or similar wood board===
 * ===4 x Wooden battens for framing the board (25mm high)===

**The battens are sanded smooth on the inside surface.**

 * ===Screws===
 * ===Plaster===
 * ===4 x 30mm sections of 30mm PVC pipe.===
 * ===Clay===
 * ===Cork===
 * ===Piece of thick, dark fabric===

=__Session 1__=

the base board.** || They should be a** **tight fit**! || plexiglass on 3 sides. The 4th side with the cork hole sits snugly against the frame.** || a round fat plug shape over the hole. There must be a few centimetres left between the clay and the edge of the plexiglass.** || together so there aren't too many dead ends!** || hands in the sink afterwards - when the plaster sets it could block the pipes!** || This takes about a week.** ||
 * [[image:P1090661.JPG]]
 * Assemble the materials for building the box.** || [[image:P1090671.JPG width="341" height="227"]]
 * Position the shorter battens for screwing to
 * [[image:P1090675.JPG]]
 * Insert and screw the 2 longer battens.
 * The box ready - notice the gaps around the
 * [[image:P1090678.JPG]]
 * Rolling the clay tunnels. Make sure there is
 * The tunnels may be thick or thin and should link
 * [[image:P1090686.JPG]]
 * Preparing the plaster for the mold.** || [[image:P1090688.JPG]]
 * Hand-stirring works best - but don't wash your
 * [[image:P1090689.JPG]]
 * Pouring the plaster into the box.** || [[image:P1090696.JPG]]
 * Plaster-filled boxes, ready for drying.

=A week later ....=

=__Session 2__=

Carefully dig out the clay from the tunnels.** || Make sure you position the cork hole over the area of the clay plug shape.** || apart to clamp the plexiglass to the plaster base.** a dark hiding place for the ants.** || Read the hints about catching ants, feeding them and keeping them safe inside.** ||
 * [[image:P1090728.JPG width="343" height="222"]]
 * Unscrew the box base.** || [[image:P1090731.JPG]]
 * Remove the battens.** ||
 * [[image:P1090736.JPG]]
 * Take off the plexiglass lid.
 * Replace the plexiglass lid.
 * [[image:P1090739.JPG]]
 * Slit open the sections of PVC pipe and spread
 * Use 2 sections on each of the shorter sides.** || [[image:P1090744.JPG]]
 * It's a bit tricky! The clamps are firm and strong.** ||
 * [[image:P1090749.JPG]]
 * Add the material to one end of the ant farm to make
 * Your ant farm is finished!