Butterfly Metamorphosis Lab
Teacher: Demo Teacher | Grade: 2 | Subject: Science | Duration: 45 minutes
📝 Description: Students observe live caterpillars with magnifying glasses and record detailed observations about butterfly life cycle stages in science journals.
Standards
- 2-LS1-1 - Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow
- 2-LS4-1 - Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats
- K-ESS3-1 - Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals and the places they live
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Identify and describe the four stages of butterfly metamorphosis using correct vocabulary
- Record detailed observations of live caterpillars using magnifying glasses and scientific drawing techniques
- Compare and contrast characteristics between different life cycle stages using observation data
- Predict what changes they expect to see in caterpillars over the next week based on life cycle knowledge
Materials Needed
- Class caterpillars in observation containers
- Magnifying glasses (1 per student or pair)
- Life cycle posters for reference
- Observation sheets (1 per student)
- Science journals (1 per student)
- Colored pencils or crayons
Lesson Structure
Opening (5 minutes)
Show students the life cycle poster and ask: "What do you notice about how butterflies change as they grow?" Have students turn and talk to share prior knowledge. Introduce today's goal: becoming butterfly scientists by observing our class caterpillars.
Main Activity (35 minutes)
Step-by-step instructions:
- Scientific Observation Training (5 minutes): Demonstrate proper use of magnifying glasses and model how to draw what you see, not what you think you know. Show difference between "I see a green caterpillar" vs "I see a green caterpillar with black stripes and tiny legs."
- Life Cycle Review (5 minutes): Use the poster to review four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), adult butterfly. Have students repeat each stage name and practice the hand motions for each stage.
- Caterpillar Observation Setup (5 minutes): Divide class into groups of 3-4 students. Give each group access to caterpillar containers and magnifying glasses. Distribute observation sheets and remind students to handle materials gently.
- Guided Observation Session (10 minutes): Students use magnifying glasses to observe caterpillars closely. Guide them with prompts: "What colors do you see? How does it move? What is it doing right now? How big is it compared to your thumb?"
- Scientific Drawing and Recording (8 minutes): Students draw their caterpillar observations in science journals and complete observation sheets. Encourage detailed drawings with labels for body parts they can identify.
- Prediction Writing (2 minutes): Students write one sentence predicting what changes they expect to see when they observe again next week.
Closing (5 minutes)
Students share one interesting observation with the class. Connect their observations to the life cycle poster, emphasizing they observed the larva stage today. Preview that they'll continue observing to see metamorphosis happen.
Quick Check: Ask students: "What stage are our caterpillars in right now? What stage comes next? Name one thing you observed about our caterpillars today."
Formative Assessment
During the lesson, look for:
- Students correctly identifying the current life cycle stage (larva) when prompted
- Observation drawings that include specific details they actually saw rather than generic caterpillar pictures
- Appropriate use of science vocabulary (larva, metamorphosis, observe) in their verbal explanations
Differentiation Strategies
Support for Struggling Students:
- Provide sentence starters for observations: "I see..." "The caterpillar is..." "It looks like..."
- Pair with stronger observers and allow collaborative recording
- Use observation sheet with picture boxes and fewer writing demands
Challenge for Advanced Learners:
- Encourage measurement using non-standard units (paperclips, thumb width) to quantify observations
- Have them research and record what caterpillars need to survive and grow
- Ask them to compare behaviors of different caterpillars if multiple species are available
ELL/ELD Support:
- Pre-teach key vocabulary with picture cards: observe, magnifying glass, larva, chrysalis, metamorphosis
- Provide bilingual life cycle diagram if available in student's home language
- Encourage drawing with simple labels rather than extensive written descriptions