Lesson Summary
Students learn about the characteristics that living things share. Students become aware of what living things need to survive. Students recognize the specific needs of their caterpillars. Students observe how caterpillars grow and change. Begin by giving each student a hand lens (magnifier) and their caterpillar cup. Allow time for students to observe their caterpillar looking for signs of life. Then discuss how we know if something is alive. Discuss basic needs of living things. Do people and caterpillars have the same needs? At the end of this lesson, students think about and reflect through writing how the needs of the caterpillars are being met in the classroom.
Teacher Background
For the caterpillars to survive in the classroom habitat they must be provided with basic needs, such as water, shelter, food, and air. Caterpillars have poor eyesight so if food is not directly underfoot caterpillars could starve as they roam in circles looking for food. This is why the cups of mallow food are important to the caterpillars’ survival. The moisture in the food provides all of the water the caterpillar will need. The cup serves as the caterpillars’ shelter. The holes in the lid will provide enough air, even through the paper lining!
Set-up/Management Tips
- Plan to teach this lesson during the first week of the caterpillars’ arrival.
- Do not place the cups in direct sunlight. The sun can cause water to evaporate from the food and condense the sides of the cup. The caterpillars are so small they could drown in a drop of water!
Literacy Support
There are currently no VAST Mediagraphies listed for this unit.
Scientific Vocabulary
The following words are key vocabulary words that will be introduced in this lesson and reinforced throughout the unit:
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