TV on a Rolling Cart

Why do flies just appear in the trash?

From Mystery Doug

Why do flies just appear in the trash?
7 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScience
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Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "Why do flies just appear in the trash?" -- and follows the clues. Flies seem to appear from nowhere because they lay eggs that hatch into maggots and grow into adults astonishingly fast. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages
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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "Why do flies just appear in the trash?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about fly, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: fly, egg, maggot.

Try it: Explain the answer to "Why do flies just appear in the trash?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.