From Caterpillar to Butterfly

Rationale:

This unit can be used any time during the year, but is best if used during the springtime when there are many butterflies fluttering around. During the unit it is beneficial to purchase a butterfly garden or larvae from monarch watch.org. The cost of each is about $25.00. This process of watching a caterpillar transform into a butterfly will strengthen concepts being taught in the unit. The process takes less than 6 weeks and the unit can be stretched out or taught and observations can be used to reinforce what was taught during the butterfly unit.

Butterflies are interesting and beautiful creatures in that they are caterpillars that transform through a metamorphosis and not many other animals go through this process.

This unit could also be expanded to include a study of insects.

Unit Objectives:

1. Students will be able to identify the four stages of a butterfly's life cycle.
2. Students will be able to put stages of a butterfly in sequential order.
3. Students will be able to review shapes in making a shape caterpillar.
4. Students will be able to understand the concept of symmetry by creating a symmetrical butterfly.
5. Students will be able to identify where butterflies dwell and what they like to eat.
6. Students will practice presentation skills and public speaking by presenting a skit to the class.
7. Students will be able to observe butterflies and keep a journal about how the caterpillar is changing.
8. Students will be able to practice patterns with butterfly manipulatives.

Lesson One: "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"

Lesson Two: Shapes and Caterpillars

Lesson Three: Butterfly Symmetry

Lesson Four: Where do Butterflies live and what do they eat?

Lesson Five: Butterfly Skits

Unit Assessment

Butterfly Centers

Butterfly Songs and Fingerplays

Butterfly Books

Multiple Intelligences