Butterfly Bonanza

Service Description

Lesson Summary: After brainstorming what students already know about tropical rainforests and butterflies, we dive into the vast and diverse world of rainforest butterflies. Students learn that each species of butterfly must lay their eggs on the leaves of a particular plant species, or host plant, to ensure the survival of their babies. Students become lepidopterists (butterfly scientists) as they practice identifying leaves of host plants to several rainforest butterflies the way a butterfly does - with their sense of touch! This interactive, tactile activity requires students to work in teams and strategize how to match each butterfly to their leaf using only their sense of touch. Afterward, students learn about a couple other adaptations, like the Blue Morpho’s leaf-like undersides of their wings, and the glasswing butterfly’s clear wings. Students end the lesson by creating their own glasswing butterfly rings to take home. Ideal for grades 1st-2nd, can be adapted to include 3rd grade (pairs well with Missouri’s butterfly unit in second grade). Suggested pre-work: butterfly life cycle, parts of a butterfly.