Unit Topic or Theme: Science

Grade: Second Grade

Lesson Topic or Theme: Life Cycle of a Butterfly

Lesson Objectives:

• Students will be able to identify the main stages in the life cycle of a butterfly.
• Students will be able to recreate/draw the life cycle of the butterfly in correct order using the cut out book.

Instructional Technique: Discussion, whole class, and independent (individual) work.

Instructional Materials:

"Butterfly Book." SDSC Education - Fostering Cyberinfrastructure in Learning and Instruction. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http://education.sdsc.edu/>.

"Life Cycle." Monarch Butterfly USA. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http://www.monarchbutterflyusa.com/Cycle.htm>.

"Life Cycle of Butterflies and Moths | Children's Butterfly Website." Welcome to the Children's Butterfly Site | Children's Butterfly Website. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http://www.kidsbutterfly.org/life-cycle>.

"Tchresources." Skola. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http://schoolnet.gov.mt/butterflies/Teachers' Resources.html>.

Theoretical Perspective: It is important for students to learn about the life cycle of a

butterfly because it will help the students understand that different organisms go through

different stages and cycles in life.

Procedure:

1. Have the class come together on the rug and read the book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.
2. While reading the book to the class, as questions as you read along. For example, what do you think is going to happen to the caterpillar after he is done eating?
3. After finished with the book, have students sit down at desks, and as a class discuss stages in the life cycle of the butterfly, as well as go over vocabulary (chrysalis, pupa, larvae).
4. Divide the class into two groups. One group to do the art project and one group to do the computer activity.
5. For the art project, students will cut out the butterfly booklet, put in the correct order of the life cycle, and draw in the stages.
6. For the computers, students will go on website, which will lead them through life cycle of a butterfly. A worksheet will be given to fill out while going through website. http://www.wsc.ma.edu/personalpages/draker/edcom/final/webprojects/fa10/sectiona/butterfly/index.html
7. After fifteen minutes have groups switch spots, so each group gets a chance to do each activity.
8. After students are finished with activity, come together as a whole class and talk about what we have learned. Handout homework sheet and explain what to do.

Adaptations for different learners: For visual learners there will be many pictures provided. There will be teachers walking around the room, helping students that are struggling. Have someone sit with students that are not as experienced with technology.

Homework: Worksheet on the life cycle of a butterfly. Worksheet Number 1c.

http://schoolnet.gov.mt/butterflies/WorksheetsPage.html

Evaluation:

1. We will determine if the students have met there objectives in several ways. We can tell if the students have learned the life cycle of a butterfly if they have correctly put the stages in order and draw a correct picture for each stage. Also if the worksheet that goes along with the website, if they have the correct answers we will be able to see if they have met the objectives. The homework sheet also has them do a bit more on the life cycle, if this is done correctly, it will help us determine if the students have learned the life cycle.
2. Concerns: Will the students be able to get through the website? Is it too confusing?