Beyond Being a Caterpillar: The Life Cycle of a Butterfly.

Introduction

Before, during, and after we read I'm a Caterpillar by Jean Marzollo we will explore the life cycle of a butterfly.

We will investigate how caterpillars grow and change.

  • How did you look as a baby?
  • How is it different than how you look today?

Animals do not always look the same from the time that they are babies until they are adults. The changes that they expereince in their lives are called life cycles.

View the - Life Cycle Movie

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/scienceforkids/life_cycle/movie.htm

Watch the Life Cycle Song

http://www.flocabulary.com/life-cycles/

We learned that the butterfly's life cycle can be very interesting when we read the story  "I'm a Caterpillar" by Jean Marzollo. The butterfly changes very much from the time it is born to the time it becomes an adult. These changes are called metamorphosis.

Painted Lady Butterfly

Lets explore these changes even more! At the end of this webquest, you will have the chance to make your own digital mini book and "teach" the class about what you learned about the life cylce of the butterfly.

Task

You can also view them again right here with your small group.

 

See how this butterfly changes!

With your small group talk about the answers to these questions. Remember to have someone in your group record  the answers in your Butterfly journal!  :)

 

  • What are the different stages of life does the butterfly go through or experience?
  • In what order does the butterfly experience these different stages of life?
Process

Part 1-

  1. You will be places in small groups of four students.
  2. Each person in your group will have to read, listen, research and discuss the life cycle of the butterfly.

Part 2-

  1. Explore the websites below.

Life Cycle Research-

http://www.vtaide.com/png/butterfly.htm

Matching Game-

http://www.softschools.com/science/butterfly/life_cycle.jsp

Life Cycle Game- http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/scienceforkids/life_cycle/butterfly_lifecycle.htm

 Butterfly Video & Games-

http://www.turtlediary.com/kindergarten-games/science-games/butterfly-life-cycle.html

 Part 3-

  1. You will need to take notes and even draw the different stages of life of the butterfly.

 

Part 4-

  1. You are ready to create your digital mini books!
  2. As a group you will work together on the digital mini book activity.
  3. At your desks you work work together by splitting the different stages of the butterfly's life so that each student in your group has at least one stage.
  4. Begin by writing all about the specific stage you are responsible for.
  5. After writing a detailed summary of your stage in the butterfly life cycle, you will need to draw a picture of the butterfly during this stage.
  6. Once you are done, have your group review your work.
  7. When your whole group is finished, bring your work to the teacher.
  8. Your teacher will help you scan your work and upload it to a computer.
  9. She will then help you create your slide show with all of your work put together.
  10. When it is all done, you are ready to present or "teach" your class about the life cycle of a butterfly!!

Use your RESEARCH, Be CREATIVE, Work TOGETHER, & have FUN!