If you’re looking for a seasonal activity that isn’t as messy as pumpkin carving, check out this fun spider web craft that doubles as a STEM lesson! Keep reading for detailed instructions on how to do this spooky STEM challenge and for other fun Halloween activities you can do at home! Don’t miss the free downloads below.
How to Make a Spider Web
Download your free Spider Web STEM lesson here.
Spider webs follow a very specific pattern to catch their prey; spiders use multiple kinds of silk and weave certain ways to successfully catch visitors, like flies and other small insects. Spiders lay out a frame for their webs, followed by walkways for themselves and a trap for other insects. Following this pattern and using their own knowledge of math and science, students are challenged to create a spider web that captures food for a spider, using household items!
STEM Challenge: The goal of this project is for children to design, construct, and redesign their own spider web that can catch and hold up to three light items. When these items are removed from the trap, the web must stay intact. There’s a suggested materials list, but kids can get creative and use materials found around the house. The STEM challenge is for grade 3 and is flexible for other grade levels.
Some of the suggested materials:
- Waxed dental floss
- Thread or string
- Wire
- Glue
- Honey or agave nectar
- Duct tape
- Paintbrush
- Paper plate
- Scissors
- Test items: leaves, seeds, dried flowers, etc.
How to Make a Web
- Form your frame first, outlining the area where your web will go.
- Criss cross materials from one side of the frame to the other to form the “walkways”
- Add a spiral that starts in the middle and works its way towards the outer layers of the frame. Try not to leave any large gaps where items could fall through.
Tips for Creating Your Web:
- Use your stronger materials for the frame.
- Use light and sticky materials when constructing your trap, coating whatever you use in honey, glue, etc…
- Interweave your trap and walkways together so when you remove items, the web does not fall apart.
- Try different materials to see which works best and try different combinations.
Download your free Spider Web STEM lesson here.
Evan-Moor’s STEM Lesson & Challenges: The Spider Web activity comes from STEM Lessons and Challenges, where students apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts to solve real-world problems. Each book provides 15 STEM hands-on challenges for students to enjoy, covering life, Earth, and physical science concepts. Grades 1–6
Read Aloud Spider-Themed Books
Halloween and Spider read-aloud books the whole family can enjoy!
Aaaarrgghh! Spider! By Lydia Monks: This is a fun and colorful book about a little spider who just wants to be a family pet. She tries everything she can think of, but only ends up scaring her family instead!
Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss: Follow the adventures of a little spider, who’s just like me or you! He goes to school, plays sports, but his best friend is a fly.
The Eensy Weensy Spider by Mary Ann Hoberman and Nadine Bernard Westcott: Based on the classic song, this story follows the adventures of a little spider as it journeys from home to the water spout.
Additional Spooktacular Halloween-themed Activities
Easy Hanging Spider Craft for Halloween: This easy spider craft consists of making hanging spiders for at-home decorations! It’s simple and quick, perfect for levels PreK-3 and to add a little Halloween decor to your home.
Skeleton Art Projects and Science Activities: Create a silly skeleton with this free skeleton art project and sciences activities!
Educational Halloween Activities: From pumpkins to skeletons to ghosts, these free activities practice math, writing, science, and other skills and subjects!
Christine Wooler has experience working with children as a youth soccer coach and summer camp counselor. She is currently studying English Literature and journalism in college. She enjoys exploring educational topics that help students have fun while learning.