Butterfly Lessons for Elementary Science Class
Observational Science Activities for a Butterfly Theme
Nov 24, 2008
You will need the following items for the butterfly unit:
- Live caterpillars purchased from a local or internet based store
- A sufficient supply of caterpillar food
- An observation cage with ample space
Introduction to the Butterfly Unit
Just before the butterflies are scheduled to arrive, read the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar (note that butterflies form a chrysalis, not a cocoon). Explain to the children that they will be learning about butterflies in the upcoming weeks.
Butterfly Facts - Information Gathering
Provide books about butterflies for the children in the days before the caterpillars arrive. Encourage the children to read and learn about butterflies by creating a facts chart. As children read the butterfly books, have them write down one or two facts that they learn. The kids can keep these lists and add to them throughout the unit. Hang a large sheet of paper somewhere in the classroom. At the end of each day, choose a few children to share one or two of their facts to add to the classroom butterfly facts chart.
Select one or two books to read aloud to the children. Use sticky notes to mark important facts and add these to the classroom chart.
Caterpillar and Butterfly Observation
Once the caterpillars arrive, read the care instructions aloud to the class. Complete the following on-going activities throughout the unit:
- Caterpillar Growth Chart -- Measure the length of three caterpillars, and record the average size on a sheet of paper. Continue this procedure daily until the caterpillars begin to hang from the top of the container. Once this occurs, make a line graph of the caterpillars' daily growth.
- Life Cycle Books -- Encourage students to observe the details of the butterflies. Provide each student with a prepared observation book. Center two sheets of typing paper onto one sheet of construction paper. Fold in half and staple the folded edge to form a book. Complete the book throughout the unit. Start by showing the students a picture of a butterfly egg from one of the butterfly books. Have the students draw and label an egg on page one of their observation books. Encourage students to draw and label detailed pictures in their books of each stage from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly as they occur in the classroom. Allow the students to share their work with the class or in small groups.
Butterfly Unit Evaluation
Include the following on a teacher made test:
- Write a paragraph or draw and label a picture about the life cycle of a butterfly. The description should include four stages. (More advanced students can be issued the challenge of including the terms: egg, larva, pupa and adult.)
- Name and describe or draw and label three types of butterflies.
- List three facts you learned during the butterfly unit.
It is easy for the children to remember the facts about their world when they get the chance to explore it first-hand. Butterfly observation is a great way to peak their interest and encourage deeper learning that they will remember for life. To make the unit even more memorable, consider throwing a butterfly releasing event. A couple of days after the butterflies have hatched, invite friends, parents and relatives to take part in releasing the butterflies. The children can share their work and their new knowledge during the party as a productive conclusion to their science unit.
Butterfly Books to Include in the Classroom Study
- Carle, Eric. The Very Hungry Caterpillar. New York, N.Y. : Philomel Books, 2007. ISBN 9780399247453
- Clyne, Densey. Flutter by, Butterfly. Milwaukee, WI : Gareth Stevens Publishing, 1998. ISBN 0836820584
- Cooper, Jason. Butterflies. Vero Beach, Fla. : Rourke Pub., c2006. ISBN 1595154256
- Howard, Fran. Butterflies. Mankato, Minn. : Capstone Press, c2005. ISBN 0736836438
- Turnbull, Stephanie. Caterpillars and Butterflies. Tulsa, Okla. : EDC Pub., 2003. ISBN 1580865062
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