Lesson Summary
Students work on their observational skills. Students realize that even though this stage appears to be inactive, important changes are taking place within the chrysalis. Students make predictions about what will emerge from the chrysalis.
Teacher Background
The pupa or chrysalis appears to be lifeless except for the occasional twitch. Students will be able to see some of the butterfly structures that are forming under the protective shell. The pupa is hanging head-down. There are two dark bulges where the compound eyes are forming. Between the eyes is the proboscis. On either side of the mouth parts, you can see the black antennae. Wings should also be visible. A day or two before the butterfly emerges, the chrysalis will appear to look darker and the wing pattern of the butterfly becomes visible through the chrysalis.
Set-up/Management Tips
- Use Figure 8-1 as a transparency to discuss the body parts students will be looking for during their observation.
- If the chrysalises are beginning to show signs of the possibility of butterflies emerging (like darkening of color and wing patterns visible); you will want to be sure the cage is in a location where all can see it. Students will probably want to check it several times throughout the day to see if any butterflies have emerged.
- Conduct informal observations each day until the butterflies emerge.
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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