Summary
When threatened, the bombardier beetle mixes chemicals inside its body and blasts a boiling-hot, stinging spray at attackers. Deep Look reveals the built-in 'cannon' that makes this defense possible.
Viewer safety
Ages 7+Mild peril
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Talk about it
The bombardier beetle stores two chemicals separately, then mixes them in a special chamber to make a hot, stinging spray. Its internal structure is a tiny chemical cannon.
- How does the beetle make its hot defensive spray?
- Why does the beetle keep its two chemicals apart until it needs them?
- How does this defense help a small beetle survive against bigger animals?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: chemical, chamber, defense, react.
Try it: Think of baking soda and vinegar fizzing when mixed. Write how the beetle keeps ingredients apart until it's time to 'fire.'