One or more groups of second-graders could create models of the different stages of the butterfly, For example, each group could identify the structures found in an assigned stage, including the butterfly egg, the caterpillar, the chrysalis and the butterfly. Have groups construct models of their assigned life cycle stage, created as an illustration on paper or as a three-dimensional model. Each group explains their model and shares the important points with the entire class. Display the models in the classroom so students can individually examine and learn.
The habitat of the butterfly changes as it moves through the metamorphosis process. Create four groups and assign each group to investigate the butterfly’s habitat at a specific life stage. Possible options for presentation include building a diorama for each stage, illustrating the habitat in a two-dimensional form or recreating the environment in a container. The container project could include separate containers for butterfly eggs on a leaf, caterpillars in the garden, a chrysalis hanging on a tree branch and flowers in a butterfly garden. The illustrations and dioramas could include similar displays.
Second-grade small groups investigating the nutritional needs of the butterfly at each stage in the life cycle discover that each stage has its own requirements. Where the nutritional needs of the egg and chrysalis are contained within the life cycle, such is not the case for the caterpillar and the butterfly. Two small groups could gather representations of the dietary needs of the butterfly in these stages. In classes where the class observes the stages in a small habitat, the class could observe which leaves the caterpillar will eat and which it will ignore or which flowers the butterfly feeds from.
Many species of butterflies may live in the same area. Each second-grade group could take a different species of butterfly and illustrate the markings during the life cycle. Each group creates a transition grouping of pictures that display the assigned species through each stage of development. Alternatively, students could consult the Butterflies and Moths of North America website, learn about the butterflies common to the local area, collect samples of butterflies they find and identify them. A butterfly display board holds preserved specimens of the various species for the children to observe and identify.