Spiders have gotten bad press; with the exception of Charlotte spiders have been
portrayed as scary, deadly creatures out to hurt people. To ease some fear and educate the
community on the important role spiders play in our ecosystem, Explorit will be hosting a
Family Exploration weekend all about spiders in conjunction with their pilot Community
Science Project, “Spiders in Your World”.
How do spiders not stick to their own webs? How are insects and spiders different? Can a
spider live underwater? All these questions and more await your exploration! There will
be lots of hands-on activities and opportunities for all ages to explore the often hidden
world of spiders.
Explorit will be open at 3141 5th Street from 1-5 pm August 4th & 5th, and admission
will be $5. Admission is free for members and those ages 2 and under.
Hands-on, minds-on is how we like to do things at Explorit. During our Family
Exploration events you will get a chance to climb through a spider’s web, eat the way a
spider does, make a spider saver, cook up an edible spider, and spin your own web! Can
you make a spider with recycled materials? We challenge you!
Special guests from the UC Davis Entomology Club will be on hand to share their
expertise. So go ahead, ask lots of questions and find out everything you want to know.
There is a great deal to learn about these wonderful animals, and you may be surprised at
how much false information about spiders has been buzzing around in your head.
We’ll have over 20 different species of spiders you can get a close look at. From
Phidippus regius to Grammostola rosea (Jumping spider to Tarantula) find out what
makes these eight-legged creatures so unique. Go on a “Spider Safari” in Mace Ranch
Park and find out what spiders inhabit Davis and learn how you can participate in the
Community Science Project. Get more info at www.explorit.org/csp