Buttterflies Alive 2007

by Michael Olson

May 23, 2007

The Third-Grade class continued its study of butterflies in it's Science curriculum and for the first time live specimens were used to aid in the study of this unit.

Michael Olson, who has studied and collected butterflies for many years, made a presentation to Mrs. Huddle’s Third-Grade class on April 28th. Students learned about the science of butterflies and moths. Butterflies and moths have a complete cycle, which means that they have four stages of development. Third graders learned some new vocabulary particular to this special insect. Lepidoptera and metamorphosis were two new words. Just ask a third-grader from this class if they remember what the words mean. Students were also taught about the difference between insects and spiders.

Many ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ and ‘wows’ were heard as Mr. Olson showed his collection of butterflies and moths. Student's interest in insects peak when they get to see real specimens. Some go on to collect butterflies, moths, and other types of insects. Many students had many, many questions about different aspects of this beautiful Order of insect.

Taylor watches caterpillar eat.

Students learned about rearing insects, which means taking specimens in one of the first stages of development, caring for it in a pavilion or container, and watching it grow through the remaining stages. This year, a new part of Mrs. Huddle’s insect curriculum entailed purchasing live specimens of the Painted Lady, which were in the larval stage, more commonly called caterpillars. Students got to watch the caterpillars eat and were amazed at how quickly they increased in size. At the appointed time, caterpillars would attach themselves to the top of the container, hang upside down, and begin to ‘morph’. Once they completed this metamorphing process, they were in the form of a chrysalis, which is the third or pupal stage of development. There was a little suspense in waiting for the butterflies to emerge from their ‘tight, tiny quarters’ and reveal themselves as living butterflies as the end of the school was quickly approaching. The butterflies cooperated and all but six emerged the last two days of school. Many of the students in other grades got to watch the butterflies released in front of the school. Some students even got to actually hold the butterflies before they decided to fly away.

Butterfly coloring contest format was changed a little this year. Students were given six patterns to choose from and could color it how they wanted. Coloring contest winners this year were Brianna Harvey and Zach Grumbles. Each winner received a small butterfly net, so they can begin acquiring their own collection.

Coloring contest winners !

If a student is interested in learning more about butterflies or moths, there are too many websites to list here. Just do a search for butterflies or moths and begin your study. If students want to learn how to collect and preserve their specimens, Mr. Olson is available during this summer. Just call the school number and leave a message. Times can be scheduled to have demonstrations for small groups. Happy hunting!