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!

The Life Cycle of the Butterfly

Changes I made to the Power Point presentation

So for a first time power point user, I  think I made some effective changes to the power point we were given.  Here are some of the changes that I made:

-Added extra slides to help focus student's attention to specific details.  Being too wordy might discourage the student's attention.

-I added some pictures of forest fires, post forest fires and of Crowsnest Mountain.

-Changed the colour scheme because it was really hard on the eyes. (Especially the 3rd slide design-some color blind people might have a hard time reading that information).

-I did a spell and grammar check on the slides.

-I tried to focus the notes to important points, such as pros and cons, and used images to encourage more discussion.

-I added title to some of  the slides.

-I removed those crazy transitions.  Sometimes simpler is safer for a first time power pointer!  I got into a situation where someone had done all these fancy power points.  When we went to present-it didn't work!

All about Lee

Hello!  As a former intercontinental Muay Thai kickboxing champion, I am returning to university after a 10 year absence as an enthusiastic Drama Education student.    As a drama enthusiast I have had the opportunity to perform and instruct dance and drama to students throughout BC and Alberta.  Directing and choreography are other passions I have developed in my time as a performer, winning various performance and choreography awards for  my work.  This summer I had to amazing opportunity to work as a performer in Fort Steele Heritage Park.  It is truly a blessing to be paid to do what you love to do.  With that,  I am very excited to be a part of the University of Lethbridge Education program and looking forward to sharing my interests and specialties with drama students.  

Hope everybody has a fantastic year!  Come and support live theatre by checking out the shows at the University Theatre.

Leeanne