The Life Cycle of the Butterfly: Grade 3

Reference Section:

http://kids.discovery.com/beyond/

http://www.billybear4kids.com/butterfly/flutter-fun.html

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/cgi-

bin/pain/faa8Dif/subjects/butterfly/activities/printouts/morphoprintout.shtml

Grad Level:  Grade 3.

Description of Activity:

The lesson will be about the 4 stages of the Monarch Butterfly.  We will start with watching a video called The Magic School Bus Flexes Its Muscles that I found at http://kids.discovery.com/beyond/ as my hook/catch.  I would then get the students to use some of the activities I found on the website called Billy Bear (http://www.billybear4kids.com/butterfly/flutter-fun.html).  After some discussion and in conclusion to the lesson I would have the students play on the computers with an online coloring program so they could play with the concepts of symmetry.

General Learner Outcomes

Students will:

3-1.  Investigate the nature of things, demonstrating purposeful action that leads to observations and inferences.

3-2.  Identify patterns and order in objects and events studied;  and with guidance, record observations using pictures, words and charts; and make predictions and generalizations based on observation.

Specific Learner Outcomes:

1.  Observe and describe the growth and development of at least one living animal, as the animal develops from early to more advanced stages.  The animal(s) should be from one or more of the following groups:  mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians, and insects.  Suggested examples include:  gerbils, guppies, mealworms, tadpoles, worms, and butterflies/moths.  Additional examples from other animals groups might also be included:  brine shrimp, isopods, and spiders.

ICT Outcomes: 

C5 1.1 Share information collected from electronic sources to add to a groups task

P   3.1 Create visual images by using such tools as paint and draw programs for particular audience and purposes.

Rationale for Computer Integration

Using visual aids such as a video is bound to get the students interested in the topic.  Allowing students to explore an online coloring program helps them to explore their computers skills, practice dexterity, practice knowledge learned such as symmetry and have a chance to be creative while learning!