Tick Unit Study For Kids

Today we are going to learn about ticks. Yes, those tiny, often overlooked creatures that are part of our natural environment. While they may seem like just another insect, ticks play a significant role in our ecosystem and can have serious implications for human health.

So, whether your kids love exploring the backyard, the local park, or venturing into the woods, understanding ticks is incredibly important.

Why you should do a tick unit study with your kids

Summer is almost here and we all love spending time outdoors, right? In the woods, parks, even our backyards? Well, these are all places where we might come across ticks. They’re these tiny little creatures, almost like miniature bugs, that love to attach themselves to animals and humans.

Now, here’s where it gets a bit yucky. Ticks can carry diseases, some of which can make us quite sick, like Lyme disease. That doesn’t sound like much fun, does it? That’s exactly why learning about ticks is so important.

By doing a unit study on ticks, we’re actually empowering kids with knowledge. They’ll learn what ticks look like, where they live, and their life cycle. More importantly, they’ll learn how to protect themselves when they’re out exploring nature. They’ll know how to do a tick check and what to do if they find one.

And guess what? This isn’t just about staying safe. It’s a fantastic way to foster curiosity about the natural world, and it’s a great opportunity to teach them about responsible outdoor behavior.

So, by doing a tick unit study, we’re not just teaching them about a tiny creature, we’re giving them tools to stay safe, be responsible, and have fun outdoors. How cool is that?

Books About Ticks

“Ticks Are the Worst!” By Kaine and Duds 

“On One Flower: Butterflies, Ticks and a Few More Icks” by Antohy Fredricks

“Hide and Seek, No Ticks Please” By Nancy Fox

Activities for Teaching Kids About Ticks

Types of Ticks

Start with a presentation on ticks, showing children various pictures and discussing the different types of ticks such as the deer tick, dog tick, and lone star tick. Explain their differences and similarities.

Tick Life Cycle

Teach kids about the life cycle of ticks (egg, larva, nymph, and adult) and have them create a visual representation of it. They can draw, paint, or create a collage. This can be done in the same way we do for butterfly lifecycles to help kids understand the different stages of life they can see ticks in.

Tick Habitat Exploration

Grab some bug spray or make your own bug spray and head out to a space where ticks live like the local part, or the forest. Let kids explore and point out potential tick habitats like leaf piles, tall grasses, and shrubs. Use this as an opportunity to discuss tick prevention measures like wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent.

Build a tick kit with your child

Have your child join you in building a kit for both repelling ticks with bug spray and handling ticks that get onto you including a tick removal tool, antibiotic ointment, and a ziplock bag to store the removed tick in case it needs to be tested for Lyme disease.

Tick Printables For Kids

Make a copy of this free tick field guide from the University of Rode Island.

Videos about ticks for kids

Remember that educating your child about ticks is the best thing you can do to help them understand the dangers and how to keep themselves safe. Pick and choose form these activities to build the perfect unit study for your students.