Why are butterflies so brightly colored? And how do they use their colors to avoid predators? Designed for grades K-5 and to be done at home or with small groups, this interactive multi-activity mini-course introduces children to how butterflies and moths are different from each other and how they survive in nature. This mini-course includes a richly illustrated story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners.
Children are introduced to the concepts of nocturnal and diurnal as well as various strategies for staying safe from predators through a fun story about Morty the Moth and Bella Butterfly. Children can then test their ability to distinguish between moths and butterflies in the included card-matching game. Children are able to reinforce their knowledge of various survival strategies such as blending, flash, and warning coloration in a fun movement-based activity in which they act out moths, butterflies, and predators. Children can then design and create their own moths and butterflies in an art activity with the included templates. Finally, the mini-course assists children in exploring their own local environment by including an exercise with online resources, research journal pages, and field journal pages to allow identification of local butterflies and moths.
Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few common household items to complete the activities: string, tape, scissors, pencil, crayons, three opaque cups, lightweight cardboard, and T-shirts of different colors.
Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)-including diurnal, nocturnal, proboscis, blending coloration, and flash coloration.
