From Caterpillar to Butterfly
By: Monica Camacho
EDCI 553: Dr. Odom
Missouri Grade Level Expectations for 2nd Grade: Strand 3: Living Organisms
3.1.B.a Recognize that animals progress through life cycles of birth, growth and development, reproduction, and death
3.1.B.b Record observations on the life cycle of different animals
3.1.B.c Sequence the stages in the life cycle of animals
Knowledge Objective: The students will observe and record the phases that occur in the life cycle of a butterfly.
Performance Objective: The students will be able to identify the four stages a caterpillar undergoes in order to become a butterfly.
Concept Introduction:
Students will understand that there is change going on with the caterpillar. Students will observe the stages of life with the caterpillar going into a butterfly. Through discussions and questioning, students will recognize the change is called metamorphosis. The caterpillar getting bigger and the skin splitting is molting and then forming a cocoon. Then, breaking out into a butterfly.
Materials needed for Activity:
1. glass jars
2.leaves
3.sticks
4. data chart
5. life cycle worksheet
6. Book: From Caterpillar to Butterfly By Deborah Heiligman
Vocabulary:
1. caterpillar: the larval stage of a butterfly or moth
2. chrysalis: the hard shell covering the pupa; shaped like an upside down teardrop
3. larva: the second stage of metamorphosis, during which an insect is wormlike and has new wings
4. pupa: the third stage of metamorphosis; encased by a chrysalis
5. metamorphosis: a series of developmental stages often marked by body changes
History of the life cycle of a butterfly:
 |
The egg is a tiny, round, oval, or cylindrical object, usually with fine ribs and other microscopic structures. The female attaches the egg to leaves, stems, or other objects, usually on or near the intended caterpillar food |
 |
The caterpillar (or larva) is the long, worm-like stage of the butterfly or moth. It often has an interesting pattern of stripes or patches, and it may have spine-like hairs. It is the feeding and growth stage. As it grows, it sheds its skin four or more times so as to enclose its rapidly growing body. |
 |
The chrysalis (or pupa) is the transformation stage within which the caterpillar tissues are broken down and the adult insect's structures are formed. The chrysalis of most species is brown or green and blends into the background. Many species over winter in this stage. |
|
The adult (or imago) is colorful
butterfly or
moth usually seen. It is the reproductive and mobile stage for the
species. The adults undergo courtship, mating, and egg-laying. The adult
butterfly or moth is also the stage that migrates or colonizes new
habitats. (Note: The adult butterfly pictured here is a Swallowtail, not a Monarch). |
Butterfly eggs are normally laid on the underside of a leaf. A larva, called a caterpillar hatches from the egg. It eats leaves and molts. Molting means shedding its skin. The caterpillar molts many times as it grows. Then the caterpillar turns into a pupa. A pupa is also called chrysalis. Its the hard shell that protects the caterpillar. A fully-grown adult called a butterfly emerges from the pupa. It will soon mate and then the female will lay eggs on a leaf.
Activity: Exploration
Students will each have a glass container of a caterpillar. They will observe and collect data of any changes happening with the caterpillar over the next several weeks until the caterpillar changes to a butterfly. Students will then put the life cycle of a butterfly in order by completing a life cycle put in order worksheet.
Data: Exploration
The students will each have a glass container of a caterpillar. They will observe and collect data of any changes happening with the caterpillar over the next several weeks until the caterpillar changes to a butterfly.
The students will be handed a chart for them to collect their data. On this chart they may draw a picture and write some descriptive words about what they see over the course of the next several weeks. Students would draw and write about the size of the caterpillar. They would draw and write if there are any changes with the caterpillars skin. Students would draw and write about the texture and look for the cocoon phase. Finally, students would draw and write the final stage of the cycle. A Butterfly! After observing the caterpillar changing into a butterfly, students will label the life cycle on a worksheet.
Activity Enrichment: Application
After observing a life cycle diagram:
Student will do a life cycle of a frog. They will discuss their designs in from of the class as well as compare and contrast the life cycle of a frog to a life cycle of a butterfly. Finally, the teacher will read to the students From Caterpillar to Butterfly by Deborah Heiligman for further enrichment.
Click here to go to the student pages click on each link below.
Student Pages:
Exploration: Life cycle observation data chart
Exploration: Life cycle fill in worksheet
Exploration: Life cycle of a Butterfly diagram
Application: Life cycle of a Frog diagram
Application: Compare and Contrast life cycle
Further exploration activities:
Exploration: Life cycle put in order worksheet
Application: Life cycle fill-in worksheet of a frog
