Activity 1: Complete Butterfly Life Cycle Investigation
Document complete metamorphosis stages and analyze individual variation within species
3-4 weeks with daily 15-minute observations Teams of 4 (2-3 teams per habitat) Long-term observation & data tracking
Learning Objectives
- • Document complete metamorphosis stages
- • Measure growth rates and developmental timing
- • Compare individual variation within species
- • Analyze environmental factors affecting development
- • Connect life cycle knowledge to pest management
Materials per Habitat
- • Large clear container (10-gallon aquarium)
- • Ventilated lid with fine mesh
- • Fresh host plants (species-dependent)
- • Monarch caterpillars or local species
- • Digital calipers for precise measurement
- • Digital microscopes or hand lenses
- • Temperature and humidity monitors
Weekly Investigation Schedule
1
Week 1: Larval Stage Documentation
Daily measurements, feeding behavior, molting events
2
Week 2: Growth Rate Analysis
Calculate growth rates, compare individuals, environmental correlation
3
Week 3: Pupation and Chrysalis Formation
Document metamorphosis, monitor development, predict emergence
4
Week 4: Adult Emergence and Analysis
Document emergence, measure adults, comparative analysis
Documentation Protocol
- • Daily photographs with scale rulers
- • Precise measurements with digital calipers
- • Behavioral observations and timing
- • Environmental condition monitoring
Data Analysis Projects
Individual Growth Analysis
- • Create detailed growth charts for each caterpillar
- • Calculate average daily growth rates per instar
- • Identify factors correlating with development speed
- • Compare individual variation within group
Environmental Impact Study
- • Correlate development timing with temperature
- • Analyze humidity effects on molting success
- • Compare food plant quality effects
- • Document unusual environmental events
Assessment Components (100 points total)
Scientific Journal (40 pts)
- • Daily observation entries
- • Technical drawings with labels
- • Data tables with measurements
- • Weekly reflection entries
Data Analysis Report (35 pts)
- • Statistical analysis of growth data
- • Environmental correlation analysis
- • Individual development patterns
- • Agricultural applications
Presentation Project (25 pts)
- • 10-minute team presentation
- • Visual aids and demonstrations
- • Q&A session participation
- • Conservation recommendations
Activity 2: Plant Reproduction and Pollination Laboratory
Investigate plant reproductive structures and pollination processes through hands-on dissection and experimentation
90 minutes (can be conducted over 2 days) Flower dissection & pollination simulation
Learning Objectives
- • Identify male and female reproductive structures in flowers
- • Demonstrate pollination process through simulation
- • Analyze adaptations for different pollination strategies
- • Investigate factors affecting pollination success
- • Connect plant reproduction to ecosystem services
Investigation Phases
Phase 1: Flower Structure Investigation (30 min)
Systematic dissection and microscopic examination
Phase 2: Pollination Simulation (35 min)
Hand pollination and pollinator simulation
Phase 3: Pollination Strategy Analysis (25 min)
Classification and efficiency analysis
Materials per Pair
- • Fresh flowers (hibiscus, lily, rose, sunflower)
- • Dissection tools: scalpels, forceps, probes
- • Hand lenses (10x magnification)
- • Microscopes with prepared pollen slides
- • Cotton swabs of various sizes
- • Paintbrushes (small and medium)
- • Colored powder (pollen simulation)
- • UV light source (blacklight)
Safety Considerations
- • Proper handling of dissection tools
- • Supervision during microscope use
- • Allergy awareness for pollen sensitivity
- • Proper disposal of biological materials
Pollination Simulation Experiments
Hand Pollination Technique
- • Use paintbrush to collect pollen from anther
- • Transfer to stigma (self vs. cross pollination)
- • Use colored powders to track transfer
- • Document success rate of pollen adhesion
Pollinator Simulation
- • Students act as different pollinators
- • Use cotton swabs of different sizes
- • Track pollen transfer efficiency
- • Analyze optimal pollinator types
Assessment Components (85 points total)
Laboratory Report (45 pts)
- • Flower dissection documentation (15 pts)
- • Experimental results (20 pts)
- • Analysis and conclusions (10 pts)
Communication Project (25 pts)
- • Scientific poster OR
- • Video documentary OR
- • Teaching demonstration
Problem-Solving (15 pts)
- • Garden design for pollinators
- • Crop pollination solutions
- • Conservation strategies
Real-World Applications
Agricultural Applications
Commercial crop pollination, Colony Collapse Disorder impact, hand-pollination techniques
Conservation Projects
Local flower and pollinator surveys, butterfly garden design, habitat improvement
