STC Program: The Life Cycle of Butterflies Two-Use Unit Kit, 3rd Edition

The Life Cycle of Butterflies unit introduces students to the concepts of life cycles by inviting them to investigate one organism-the painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) for 8 weeks. As students care for the caterpillars and butterflies, they observe, record, and describe in words and drawings the metamorphosis from caterpillar to chrysalis and from chrysalis to butterfly. In many cases, students will get to see a butterfly lay eggs. Some butterflies will die natural deaths, completing students' observations of the life cycle. Through these investigations, students will understand that the term "cycle" implies continuity and that life cycles exist for all living organisms. This experience deepens their understanding of the diversity and complexity of life on earth.