Butterfly Garden

By:

As part of our second grade science curriculum, 85 students observed the butterfly life cycle from beginning to end.  We started with 90 crystalises so each student received a butterfly in the larva/caterpillar stage. They then observes and documented each stage of the life cycle.  

An additional component we have added at Justin Elementary School is the creation of a butterfly garden which enables students to release their adult butterflies into a natural habitat thus allowing the lfe cycle to begin anew.  In order to adequately complete this process, students conducted several levels of research and investigation.

The first step was to research what types of host and nectar plants would be needed to sustain the painted lady butterfly.  They then investigated which of those plants would be suitable for the unique climate of our area of Texas.  Next, they planned the layout of the garden before actually planting.

And finally, they released their newly emerged butterflies into our buttefly garden.

85 students

90 crysalises

Wait time = approximately 3 weeks

Yield = 20 butterfies per class which is 80 total!