Purpose and key benefits Designed for hands-on science education: promotes curiosity about biology by letting users observe ant behavior, tunneling, and colony organization in a contained, visible environment. Naturalistic, low-maintenance habitat: construction materials recreate a more ecological substrate so ants behave closer to how they would in the wild. Clear, compact format ideal for classrooms, home learning, or hobby observation where space is limited. What it is and how it helps Function: an ant nest and feeding area intended for popular science education and live ant observation. It helps teach and demonstrate biological concepts through direct observation of ant activity and colony behavior. Educational value: supports lessons on insect anatomy, social behavior, ecology, and scientific observation skills. Size and compatibility Overall size: 11 cm x 8.5 cm x 7 cm — compact for desktop or classroom use. Nest (burrow) size: 8.5 cm x 5.5 cm — clear, viewable tunnel area for observing ant movement and nest construction. Feeding area size: 8.5 cm x 7 cm x 5.5 cm — separate space for food and water management during observations. Materials and performance Materials: concrete + model plaster + volcanic rock + calcium sand + desert sand. Moisture control: model plaster and sand components retain and regulate moisture better than plain plastic, creating a stable environment for tunnel formation and reducing rapid drying. Ecological realism and stability: concrete and volcanic rock add structural strength and texture that mimic natural substrates, improving tunnel stability and observational realism. Practical applications (use scenarios) Classroom demonstration: Use during biology lessons or STEM activities to demonstrate social insect behavior, colony roles, and scientific method exercises (observation, record-keeping, hypothesis testing). Home STEM project: Compact, durable design for supervised home experiments and ongoing learning, suitable for parents and children exploring real-world science together. Hobbyist observation: Suitable for ant-keeping hobbyists who want a realistic, observable nest for short-term studies or to introduce beginners to ant behavior. Notes for use Intended for educational observation of live ants; follow local guidelines and ethical care practices when housing live insects. The product’s materials and dimensions are provided to help plan placement and classroom or home use. Specifications (unchanged) Overall size: 11 cm x 8.5 cm x 7 cm Nest size: 8.5 cm x 5.5 cm Feeding area size: 8.5 cm x 7 cm x 5.5 cm Material composition: concrete + model plaster + volcanic rock + calcium sand + desert sand