#393. Monarch Butterflies

Science, level: Elementary
Posted Fri Jun 11 09:12:04 PDT 1999 by Elaine Bishop Cindi Kaiser (ebishop@sbtek.net dkaiser233@aol.com).
GC Elementary Jewett Elementary , Grundy Center,IA Waterloo, IA
Materials Required: computer with Internet, printer, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, flannelboard, activity materials
Activity Time: 8 lessons during a 3-4 week period
Concepts Taught: Monarch butterfly life cycle, appreciation of an author and literature

Beginning Internet: Using the Internet to Support Teaching and Learning
Patty AcheyCutts, Instructor
June 11, 1999

Monarch Butterflies

Written by : Elaine Bishop, Grundy Center Community Schools, Grundy Center, IA
Cindi Kaiser, Jewett Elementary School, Waterloo, IA
Level: K-1
Summary: Our project utilizes technology in teaching students about the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly and a specific author when using literature. Since we will be observing a real Monarch caterpillar as it grows and changes, the lessons will take place over a period of three to four weeks.
Materials: Computer with Internet, printer, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, flannelboard and story pieces, materials for activities (listed with plans)
Objectives: Students will enjoy a good literature book.
Students will learn some information about a children's author.
Students will be able to identify and sequence the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly.

Procedure:
Day 1:
* The teacher will read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle to the class and will facilitate a discussion that includes title, author and the parts they liked. Teacher observation will be used to assess the students' knowledge of the life cycle of a butterfly.
* The students can retell the story with the flannelboard for further enjoyment.

Day 2:
* Recall the title and author of the book. Brainstorm and record questions the students might ask the author.
* Together the class and the teacher will visit The Official Eric Carle Web Site. (http:// www.eric-carle.com/bio.html) The teacher will point out a few important facts about him such as other books he wrote, family, and where he lives.
* Click on Frequently Asked Questions to see if the student questions have been answered.

Day 3:
* Revisit the Eric Carle web site. Go to the home page and click on Guestbook. Note the purpose of the Guestbook and generate a group message to the author (on chart paper first).
* The teacher will model how to type the message on the computer and send it.

Day 4:
* The teacher will show a Monarch caterpillar to the students. Ask them what they know about a caterpillar, remember the book and predict what they think will be happening to the caterpillar.
* Use the pictures at the Monarch Life Cycle site. (http://www4.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/eastsilverspringes/butterfly.html#The Monarch Life Cycle) Read together the first two paragraphs about the egg and the caterpillar, focus on the photos and facilitate a discussion.
* View the photographs at Monica the Monarch web site (http://www2.cybernex.net/~dbenz/monarch.htm) for more discussion.

Day 5:
* On a daily basis observe the caterpillar and record any changes.
* Make a caterpillar using egg cartons, pipe cleaners and paint.

Day 6:
* When the caterpillar spins its chrysalis, visit the Monarch Butterfly Emergence From Chrysalis web site. (http://adver-net.com/Monemerg.html)
* After viewing the photos and discussing them, make a chrysalis using green tissue paper and a twig.

Day 7:
* After the butterfly emerges, chart the changes and visit the Monarch Butterfly Lifecycle. (http://www.thewildones.org/Animals/monarch.html) Review the sequence of a butterfly's life and make predictions about what will happen next (migration).
* Sponge paint a butterfly with orange and black paint.

Day 8:
* Reread The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle for enjoyment.
* The assessment activity will consist of the students sequencing four drawings taken from Children's Butterfly Site Coloring Page of Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle. (http://www.mesc.usgs.gov/butterfly-coloring.html) They will use the ordered pages to make their own coloring book.

Resources
Literature
* Carle, Eric. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, 1969, Putnam Publishing Group.

Internet sites
* The Official Eric Carle Web Site. (http:// www.eric-carle.com/bio.html)
* Monarch Life Cycle site. (http://www4.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/eastsilverspringes/butterfly.html#The Monarch Life Cycle)
* Monica the Monarch web site. (http://www2.cybernex.net/~dbenz/monarch.htm)
* Monarch Butterfly Emergence From Chrysalis web site. (http://adver-net.com/Monemerg.html)
* Monarch Butterfly Lifecycle. (http://www.thewildones.org/Animals/monarch.html)
* Children's Butterfly Site Coloring Page of Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle. (http://www.mesc.usgs.gov/butterfly-coloring.html)