1^st Grade Plant and Animal Unit (Butterflies) Blueprint

How do caterpillars grow and change?

12D(K-2)#1: Describe and compare things in terms of number, shape, texture, size, weight, color, and motion.

11C(K-2)#3: Things can change in different ways, such as in size, weight, color, and movement. Some small changes can be detected by taking measurements.

Class discussion about student observations of caterpillars and about the stages of transformation. (See Procedure steps 1-3 on page 46.)

• Do students observe a silk button spun on the lid of the cup?
• Do students observe a change in the activity level of their caterpillar?
• Do students observe the J shape that precedes a caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly?
• Can students describe the pupation process?

12D(K-2)#2: Draw pictures that correctly portray at least some features of the thing being discussed.

Student drawings (See Activity Sheet 6 on pages 48-49.)

• Do students draw detailed diagrams of their caterpillars?
• Do students draw the J shape that precedes pupation?

How are individual caterpillars alike and different?

5B(0-2)#1: There is variation among individuals in a population.

12D(K-2)#1: Describe and compare things in terms of number, shape, texture, size, weight, color, and motion.

Student observations of each others’ caterpillars and discussion about the different sizes and stages of transformation. (See Procedure steps 1-3 on page 46.)

Suggestion: Complete a class Venn diagram comparing caterpillars (comparison could be of caterpillars in classroom or classroom caterpillars to other species of caterpillars described in books)

Do students recognize the similarities and differences (in size, features, activity level, stages of transformation) between their individual caterpillars?