Gym and Learn Curriculum: The Butterfly Experience
This year, we added a wonderful new experience to our Gym and Learn curriculum. In connection with our Gardening and Science weeks, we raised 8 caterpillars and watched as they turned into Painted Lady butterflies! The students were able to experience the life cycle of the BUTTERFLY first hand and learned about one of the most unique and amazing transformations found in nature.
The Arrival of the Butterflies to Gym and Learn
This lesson started will the arrival of 8 caterpillars at Pinnacle Gymnastics. The students had a chance to examine our caterpillars up close throughout the week and examine how they move, grow, and eat. We learned that caterpillars grow over 5 times their initial size before the next stage in their lives and the need to eat quite a bit to do so! We also saw that they use a fine webbing for protection.
The Chrysalis
Next came the chrysalis stage of the life cycle. We were amazed at how fast the transformation really did occur. Students also saw that while it looked like the chrysalises were still, they could slowly see the transformation happening. We used our magnafiying glasses to see up close and personal.
And Finally... Butterflies!
Finally, we saw the butterflies emerge from their chrysalis. By doing some research, we learned that the butterflies actually take a large breath of air and blow it out quickly to break open and emerge. Our students were amazed at the bright colors and watching them move and fly around the net cage we had them in. After a few days of exploration, we went outside and let all 8 of our butterflies free. One even landed on Ms. Kirsten's hand!
This has been a wonderful project for our Gym and Learn children and we are excited to incorporate more projects like this in the future.
Consider embarking on your own butterfly adventure at home!
Gym and Learn Director
Pinnacle Gymnastics
