The Life Cycle of a Butterfly

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how a caterpillarnturns into a butterfly? In this Web Quest, you'll explore the fascinating life cycle of butterflies.

Learning Objectives: 

-Identify and describe the four stages of a butterfly's life cycle.

Explain the function of each stage.

Create a group presentation using visuals and facts.

 

Aligned to:

- Florida State Standards: SC.1.L.16.1

a) Make observations that plants and animals closely resemble their parents.

-Bloom's Taxonomy: Understanding (describe), Applying (create), Analyzing (compare stages)

 

Task

You and your team will work together to create a narrated Powerpoint presentation that teaches others about the butterfly's life cycle. You will: 

-Research each stage of the life cycle. 

- Find or draw pictures for each stage .

-Write and record a short explanation for each stage .

-Present your PowerPoint to the class. 

Process

1) Get into your assigned group of 3-4 students

2) Use the links provided to research the life cycle of a butterfly. 

   - National Geographic Kids

   - PBS Learning Media

3) Divide roles in your group:

   - Researcher (gathers information) 

   - Artisit (draws or finds visuals) 

   - Writer (writes the explanation) 

   - Presenter (records narration)

4) Work together to build your Powerpoint. Include: 

    -Title slide

   - One slide for each stage: Egg, Larva, Pupa, Adult

5) Record your group's narration.

6) Present your project to the class.

Evaluation

Your project will be graded using this rubric:

Criteria                           Excellent (3)                                            Good(2)                                                                 Needs Improvement (1)

Accurate Info                  All stages correct                                    1 stage missing/unclear                                     2+ stages incorrect

Visuals                         Colorful,clear visuals for all stages            some visuals unclear                                          Few/no visuals

Teamwork & Participation       Everyone contributed                      Uneven participation                                          Poor teamwork

Oral Presentation          Clear confident, well paced                       Somewhat clear                                                 Hard to understand

Conclusion

You've now become butterfly experts!

You discovered how butterflies grow and change, and you helped teach your classmates too.

WAnt to learn more? Check out this fun interactive game on the butterfly life cycle: Butterfly Life Cycle Game

Credits

This web Quest was created for educational purposes as part of a course project.

Special thanks to the following sources used for student research and interactive activities:

- National Geographic Kids - Butterflies

- PBS LearningMedia - Life Cycle Resources

- Sheppard Software- Life Cycle Games

Teacher Page

Grade Level: 1st Grade 

Subject Area: Science

Topic: Life Cycle of a Butterfly

Standards Addressed: - Florida Standard SC.1.L.16.1- Make observations that plants and animals closely resemble their parents.

Learning Objectives: 

- Students will identify and describe each stage of a butterfly life cycle.

- Students will collaborate in small groups to research, create, and present a narrated Powerpoint.

- Students will apply knowledge and practice presentation skills

Time Frame: 3-4 class periods (45 minutes each) 

Materials Needed:

- Computers or tablets with internet access

- Powerpoint or Google Slides

- Microphones for recording narration

- Rubric printouts