Lifecycles of Butterflies
Lesson 8
Observing the Chrysalis
Students continue to hone observational skills and make predictions.
3. Lesson set up and Management
Understand characteristics of living organisms- identify observable characteristics of living organisms (Systems 1-1.1.6)
Understand that plants and animals have life cycles- observe and describe the life cycle of a plant or animal (Concepts and Principles 1-1.2.7)
Butterflies have a life cycle and change with each stage.
3. Lesson set up and Management
Materials:
There should be a transparency of a labeled chrysalis diagram. This is available in the STC Life Cycles of Butterflies Teacher's Guide Appendix F on page 120 (2002 Version). It is a larger version of Figure 8-1 in that book. This will help focus students on the parts of the butterfly that can be seen in the chrysalis.
Duplicate Activity Sheet 7 if desired.
Procedure:
Students will observe the chrysalis to look for body parts that are forming within the chrysalis. Use a transparency of a labeled diagram of the chrysalis to help students identify what they are looking at in the chrysalis.
Chrysalis with last molt attached.
It is important to draw parallels between the butterflies' life cycle and other life cycles, both plant and animal, so that students are ready to apply what they've learned thus far to new situations.
Teachers may want to allow students to observe the chrysalises before they are attached into the flight cages. It can be more difficult for each child to observe them when they are in the flight cages.
As with the entire unit, stress watching the chrysalis closely. Note color changes and whether wings can be seen. If so, be sure to have the chrysalises in flight cages visible to children throughout the day as butterflies can emerge at any time.
Background Information: The pupa stage (chrysalis) lasts 7 to 10 days. As it reaches the end of the pupa stage, students can really see the butterfly through the chrysalis. The orange, black and gold spots on the wings can often be seen. Students can even identify the eye area and proboscis area.
Writing:
No writing support for this lesson.
Reading:
An imaginative tale with great illustrations about how it must feel to experience metamorphosis is Where Butterflies Grow by Joanne Ryder.
There are several good books to read as students begin to draw parallels between this life cycle and others. Many are listed in the STC Life Cycles of Butterflies Teacher's Guide Appendix E. Among them are the fictional story by Jack Kent The Caterpillar and the Polliwog, and Ruth Heller's Chickens Aren't the Only Ones.