The Ant Works concept was developed by NASA back in the heyday of the US space program. Their idea was to take a colony of ants into space so the astronauts could study the insects’ behavior in zero gravity. Why, we hear you ask? Well, we guess they had to study something as they hurtled around planet earth. Anyway, NASA’s loss is our gain because the amazing jelly-like habitat they invented is now
available to support ant life here on earth. Or more specifically, on your desk, bedside or kitchen table.
The Ant Works is filled with a highly nutritious non-toxic gel into which you prod four little holes to get the tunnel network started. Now get out into the garden or park and catch about 15 ants to populate the colony. Put them in the Ant Works, replace the lid… and watch. Within days the ants will burrow out an amazing pattern of channels, each clearly visible in cross-section through the walls of the container. Maintenance is minimal. Besides providing a safe ecologically-correct habitat, the gel also provides the ants’ food. You simply need to open the lid for a moment once a month to aerate the interior.
Each ‘Antworks’ Includes:
- Case and gel
- Magnifying glass
- Four blue LEDs embedded in base.
- Ant catching/tunnel starting tool
- Instruction booklet with interesting facts about ants.
- ANTS ARE NOT INCLUDED! However, there is a form included
where you can order some ants for delivery via mail. But why bother?
Just set out some potato chips in the kitchen and voila! Instant ant
colony!
You can buy this funny and educational science toy in ThinkGeek
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