Introduction
Have you ever seen a butterfly flying in the garden? Did you know that before becoming a butterfly, it goes through many changes? In this WebQuest, you will explore the life cycle of a butterfly. You will learn about the four main stages: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly. By the end, you’ll understand how this tiny insect transforms from one stage to another
Task
Your mission is to create a colorful poster that shows the four stages of the butterfly life cycle. You will:
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Learn what happens in each stage
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Draw or insert images of each stage
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Write a short sentence under each stage to explain it
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Present your poster and explain the life cycle in class
Process
Step 1: Watch the video on the butterfly life cycle
Step 2: Read this article about the stages
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/monarch-butterfly
Step 3: Look at this diagram for help
Step 4: On your poster or PowerPoint, show the four stages:
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Egg
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Caterpillar (larva)
3. Chrysalis (pupa)
4. Butterfly (adult)
Step 5: Add a short sentence under each image that explains what happens in that stage.
Step 6: Present your work to the class and explain how a butterfly grows and changes.
Evaluation
How you'll be graded:
| Criteria | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Needs Work (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding of Stages | All stages are correct and clearly explained | Most stages are correct and explained | Some stages correct, explanations unclear | Stages missing or wrong |
| Creativity & Presentation | Colorful, organized, and creative | Neat and organized | A bit messy or hard to read | Disorganized or incomplete |
| Use of Resources | Used all videos and articles correctly | Used most resources | Some missing or misunderstood | Did not use resources properly |
Conclusion
Great job! You now understand how butterflies grow and change. From a tiny egg to a beautiful butterfly, the cycle is amazing. Keep exploring the natural world; you’ll be surprised how much there is to learn!
Credits
ClickView. (2017, September 27). The Life Cycle of a Butterfly - Science for kids [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kZD6rlSLUw
National Geographic Kids. (n.d.). Monarch Butterfly Facts. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/monarch-butterfly
Image References:
Monarch Butterfly. (n.d.). [Video]. Animals. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/monarch-butterfly
Louisville Zoo. (2022, February 22). Butterfly Life Cycle | Louisville Zoo. https://louisvillezoo.org/butterfly-exhibit/butterfly-life-cycle/
Wikipedia contributors. (2025, May 23). Caterpillar. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caterpillar
Wilson, T. V. (2023, March 8). How caterpillars work. HowStuffWorks. https://animals.howstuffworks.com/insects/caterpillar3.htm