This unit will go to the end of the year. During the course of the unit the 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms will do research and make observations, learn about the butterfly life cycle, and take care of their own butterflies. At the end of the unit the classes will release the butterflies in the park.
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| A diagram of a butterfly's lifecycle. |
Students began the week by transferring caterpillars to containers that contained food and would serve as a place to build a chrysalis. Classes then observed the caterpillars and made note of things like color, shape, texture, and size. Most caterpillars were only about 1 centimeter long. Despite the size of the caterpillars, students were able to see details like bristles and feet.
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| A 2nd grade student is labelling parts of a caterpillar |
Within the first week, students noticed that the larva more than tripled in size! Many of the caterpillars had grown to be over 3cm on Tuesday and by Wednesday some were even 5 cm in length.
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| This particular caterpillar was about 3cm long and had eaten most of its food. |
Any change in the caterpillars is noted by students in their packets. Many were shocked to see how quickly the caterpillars were growing. Many began to note the web like substance that was forming around the caterpillars. The "web" was evidence that the caterpillars were getting ready to form a chrysalis.
As they make their observations, students get an up close look at the butterflies life cycle. Students will see the caterpillars continue to grow, spin their chrysalis, and finally emerge has butterflies.
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| Most caterpillars have move up to the top of their container. Here they will make their chrysalis before they are moved to a butterfly tower. |
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| More caterpillars attaching themselves to the top of the container. The fuzzy look in the container is the "web' that the caterpillars create. |
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| The caterpillars in the larger container grew to be particularly big. |
In addition to caterpillars, each classroom will also have some moth larva. Students have already noted the differences and similarities between the larvae. The moths have a heat lamp that will help encourage them to begin making cocoons.
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| The moth larvae are difficult to see and hide in their food. |
The 2nd and 3rd grade look forward to finishing the year strong with this science unit.