In this lesson, we will:
- observe real caterpillars as they change into butterflies
- sequence and label the four stages of a butterfly
- create a painting of a symmetrical butterfly
Activity 1: Observe the Life Cycle of a Caterpillar to a Butterfly
I order my caterpillars from https://www.insectlore.com/. (This is not a promotion for their website. I am simply sharing .)
This is a yearly favorite for students and adults. I will post pictures of their changes avery few days so we can watch them grow.
Caterpillar Watch: Day 1 Day 3 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 11 Day 12 Day 14 Day 15 (3 butterflies)
A Butterfly Discovers its Proboscis Video
First Butterfly Release Video
Activity 2: Read Aloud - From Caterpillar to Butterfly by: Camilla de la Bedoyere
Activity 3: Insect Body Parts Song
Activity 4: Butterfly Painting
materials: paper, paint, scissors, Butterfly Template and Results
Type B Mom's Lesson Learned- I used to make these all the time with my Granny. We would squeeze or splatter paint then fold and squish the paper to create butterfly wings. I created a template and step-by-step instructions for this activity. I forgot how type A and particular my children are. I simply told them to have fun and put some paint onto one half of the butterfly. They both begin to meticulously paint a monarch butterfly. By the time they finished, the paint was mostly dry and did not transfer to the opposite side. After my daughter's mini meltdown, I convinced her that it was ok to simply paint the entire butterfly and ignore the written instructions. I then proceeded to squirt paint all over and half of a piece of paper and make a fun, messy butterfly. Both results are beautiful. :)
Activity 5: Sequence the Life Cycle of a Butterfly
Activity 6: Draw and Label the Parts of an Insect
Videos to Watch:
- SciShow Kids: How a Caterpillar Becomes a Butterfly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5RSpMQQOpw
- Cosmic Kids Yoga - The Very Hungry Caterpillar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhWDiQRrC1Y
MS Science Standards:
L.1.3B.1 Identify the body parts of a pollinating insect (e.g., bee, butterfly) and describe how insects use these parts to gather nectar or disburse pollen. Report findings using drawings, writing, or models.
L.1.2.2 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information through labeled drawings, the life cycle (egg, larva, pupa, adult) of pollinating insects (e.g., bees, butterflies).