Are butterflies the only animals that start out as caterpillars?

Are butterflies the only animals that start out as caterpillars?
Lesson narration:
English Spanish
Scroll for prep
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DISCUSS:

Are there any other baby animals that look totally different when they’re grown up?

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Step
01/18
Get your supplies.
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Step
02/18
Let’s start by making your card. Line up the corners and fold it in half.
Use your fingernail to make a crease.
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Step
03/18
Open the card. Bring the outer edge to the center fold. Repeat this
on the other side.
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Step
04/18
Lift the inner edge of the paper until it meets the outside edge and
then fold it. Repeat this on the other side.
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05/18
Discuss.
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06/18
Discuss.
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Step
07/18
Here’s what we think.
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Step
08/18
Discuss.
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Step
09/18
Write the name of the person who you will give your card to at the
top. Draw a tiny caterpillar at the bottom.
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Step
10/18
Discuss.
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Step
11/18
Here’s what we noticed.
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Step
12/18
Draw a bigger caterpillar in your card. Open the card and keep the
flaps on the side down. Draw a larger caterpillar. Make sure to hold
the flaps down as you draw.
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Step
13/18
Time to make your caterpillar GROW. Open the flaps on the sides
and connect the lines on either side so that you create one giant
caterpillar. Finish coloring your caterpillar.
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Step
14/18
Finish your card and add a message. Make sure to sign your name.
If you want to see what happens to a caterpillar after it’s done
growing, go to the next step.
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Step
15/18
When a caterpillar is done growing, it molts one last time. Discuss.
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Step
16/18
Here’s what we noticed.
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Step
17/18
Discuss.
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Step
18/18
Watch closely.
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Featured Reviews

“The activity was our favorite part. It was awesome and we liked the step by step instructions. ”
· Danielle · Teacher
“Amazing! Perfect for early September when the Monarchs are laying their eggs in Maine! Students enjoyed this!”
· Alicia · Teacher
“Perfect match to our standards and super engaging for the students.”
· Constance · Teacher
“Loved the activity! We are making extra growing caterpillars! ”
· Stephanie · Homeschooler
Lesson narration:
English Spanish

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In the mini-lesson, students explore the surprising variety of animals that look completely different between their juvenile and adult life stages. In the activity, Hungry Caterpillars, students examine how caterpillars grow and change throughout their lives and then use what they learn to create a card for someone special in their own life.
Preview activity
Blank Paper (8.5 x 11")
2 sheets per student
Crayons
Colored pencils will also work.
Details
4 crayons per student
Pencil
1 per student
Prep Instructions

This is an activity that kids can do in class or at home, solo or with others. No print-outs needed!

Extend this lesson

Discussions

Discussion

  1. Are butterflies the only animals that start out as caterpillars?
  2. What did this lesson make you curious about? What other questions do you have?

Activity

Activity

Bonus Activity: Imagine that you change into a new form when you grow up—like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. As an adult, you will fly through the air instead of walking. As an adult, you will only sip sweet drinks. (Butterflies don't eat solid foods at all!) What’s great about being a young caterpillar? What would you like about being an adult butterfly? Write down your ideas or draw a picture of your life as a caterpillar and a butterfly.
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Credits
 
Biodiversity Tx Lesson 7: Are butterflies the only animals that start out as caterpillars?

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