Butterfly Gardens

The students had the opportunity to observe the real-life metamorphasis of five Painted Lady butterflies right inside their classrooms! They recorded their daily observations in a journal and watched as each larva formed a chrysallis out of which eventually emerged beautiful adult butterflies. The whole cycle from the larva to adult stage took about two weeks. The students then made sketches of the butterflies and painted them. After a few days, we sadly said good-by to the butterflies and set them free in the school garden.

 

Journal Entry Samples

 

Day 3

All the larvae are crawling up the sides of the jar. All the larvae are growing bigger. Recorded by AJ

Day 7

Four of the larvae are hanging. The fifth larva is at the bottom. All of the larvae are half in their cocoon. Recorded by Joe

Day 11

All four of them are all the way in the chrysalis. Recorded by Tyler

Day 14

The butterflies are flying around the net. They are eating the sugar water. Recorded by JD

Sample Illustrations

Unit Introduction

We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please direct any correspondence to Barbara Cipolloni, Nancy Jones or Paul Savering Germantown Academy's second grade teachers.

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