Caterpillar Chronicles: From Cocoon to Canvas

4th Grade

Project
3 weeks

Caterpillar Chronicles: From Cocoon to Canvas

ESMERALDA PEREZ

Purpose

This project immerses 4th-grade students in the fascinating journey of a caterpillar's life cycle, blending science with art to foster a deeper understanding of biological transformations. Through hands-on activities, community collaboration, and creative expression, students will explore the stages of metamorphosis and the adaptations that occur at each phase. The project culminates in a public exhibition, allowing students to share their discoveries and artistic interpretations with the community, enhancing their communication skills and confidence.

Learning goals

Students will understand and articulate the stages of a caterpillar's life cycle, recognizing the physical and behavioral adaptations at each stage. They will develop skills in scientific observation and documentation through creating time-lapse videos and written reports. Students will express their understanding creatively by contributing to a collaborative mural, enhancing their ability to communicate scientific concepts through art. They will also cultivate reflective thinking by maintaining a daily journal, allowing them to connect their learning experiences with personal insights and emotions.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
NGSS - 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
NGSS - 3-LS1-1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.

Products

Students will create a vibrant mural or art installation at a local art studio, depicting the life cycle of a caterpillar. They will also produce a time-lapse video capturing the transformation of live caterpillars into butterflies, complete with a narrated explanation of each stage. Additionally, students will prepare written reports and models to present at the 'Caterpillar Life Cycle Exhibit,' showcasing their understanding and creativity. Each student will maintain a daily reflection journal, documenting their observations and personal insights throughout the project.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Life Cycle Launch Party' where students engage in interactive stations that simulate each stage of a caterpillar's life. Activities include crafting a chrysalis using various materials, mimicking butterfly movements through dance, and observing live caterpillars. This immersive experience sets the stage for hands-on exploration and sparks curiosity about the transformations they will study.

Exhibition

Students will present their 'Metamorphosis Mural' at the local art studio, unveiling it to classmates, family, and community members. Each student will have the opportunity to explain their contributions to the mural, using their time-lapse videos and art pieces to illustrate the stages of the caterpillar's life cycle. This event will serve as a culmination of their learning, allowing them to share their insights and creativity in a public setting.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Life Cycle Launch Party - Kick off the project with interactive stations. Students will create a chrysalis using craft materials, perform butterfly movements through dance, and observe live caterpillars to spark curiosity.	Activity 2: Observation Journals - Students will begin their daily reflection journals by drawing and writing their initial thoughts and observations about the caterpillars.	Activity 3: Stage Exploration - Introduce the stages of the caterpillar's life cycle. Students will watch a short video or presentation to learn about each stage and discuss the adaptations that occur.	Activity 4: Artistic Interpretation - Students will start brainstorming and sketching ideas for the mural or art installation, focusing on how to visually represent the caterpillar's life cycle stages.	Activity 5: Time-lapse Setup - Guide students in setting up cameras or devices to begin capturing the time-lapse video of the caterpillars' transformation. Discuss what to look for and how to document changes observed.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Daily reflection journal entries documenting observations and thoughts about the caterpillars' development. 2. Deliverable 2: Initial sketches and concepts for the mural or art installation depicting the caterpillar's life cycle.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Gather materials for the Life Cycle Launch Party, including craft supplies for chrysalis making and music for the dance station. 2. Prep Task 2: Set up the classroom with observation stations and ensure live caterpillars are available for student observation. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare and test technology for the time-lapse video setup, ensuring students can effectively capture the caterpillars' transformation. 4. Prep Task 4: Coordinate with the local art studio to introduce the mural concept and discuss any logistical details for student collaboration. 5. Prep Task 5: Create or source a short introductory video or presentation about the caterpillar's life cycle stages for classroom viewing.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Detailed Observation - Students will focus on closely observing the caterpillars each day, noting changes in size, movement, and behavior in their journals, building on their initial observations from Week 1.	Activity 2: Mural Design Workshop - Students will work in groups to finalize their mural designs, integrating feedback from peers and the art studio to accurately represent each life cycle stage of the caterpillar.	Activity 3: Scientific Exploration - Conduct a hands-on lab activity where students explore the concept of adaptations by designing a 'caterpillar habitat' using craft materials to support survival and growth.	Activity 4: Time-lapse Analysis - Students will review the footage captured so far, selecting key moments that illustrate the caterpillar's transformation for their final video narratives.	Activity 5: Draft Report Writing - Students will begin drafting their informative reports on the caterpillar's life cycle, focusing on clear explanations of each stage and the observed adaptations.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Detailed daily journal entries with observations and reflections on the caterpillars' growth and behavior. 2. Deliverable 2: Finalized mural design sketches ready to be transferred to a larger format at the art studio. 3. Deliverable 3: Draft versions of the time-lapse video, highlighting selected transformation moments. 4. Deliverable 4: First drafts of written reports detailing the caterpillar life cycle and adaptations.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange materials for the habitat design lab activity, including various craft and natural materials. 2. Prep Task 2: Coordinate with the art studio to schedule mural design feedback sessions and provide students with necessary art supplies. 3. Prep Task 3: Ensure technology is available for students to review and edit their time-lapse footage. 4. Prep Task 4: Provide students with resources and templates for drafting their reports, including writing prompts and graphic organizers. 5. Prep Task 5: Set up a schedule for peer feedback sessions to facilitate collaborative refinement of mural designs and report drafts.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Mural Creation - Students will collaborate at the local art studio to transfer their finalized mural designs onto the designated wall space, using paints and other materials to bring their vision of the caterpillar's life cycle to life.	Activity 2: Time-lapse Video Finalization - Students will complete editing their time-lapse videos, adding narration that explains the stages and adaptations observed during the caterpillar's transformation.	Activity 3: Report Refinement - Students will revise and polish their written reports on the caterpillar's life cycle, integrating any feedback received. They will focus on clear explanations and scientific accuracy.	Activity 4: Exhibition Preparation - Students will organize and rehearse their presentations for the 'Caterpillar Life Cycle Exhibit,' ensuring they are ready to discuss their projects, including the mural, time-lapse video, and reports, to an audience.	Activity 5: Final Reflection - Students will write or draw in their reflection journals, summarizing their learning experiences, personal insights, and emotional responses throughout the project. This will serve as a culmination of their reflective practice.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed mural at the local art studio, visually representing the caterpillar's life cycle. 2. Deliverable 2: Final time-lapse video with narration, capturing the caterpillar's transformation. 3. Deliverable 3: Polished written report on the caterpillar life cycle and adaptations. 4. Deliverable 4: Participation in the 'Caterpillar Life Cycle Exhibit,' presenting their projects to classmates, family, and community members. 5. Deliverable 5: Final reflection journal entry summarizing their project experience.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Coordinate final mural creation logistics with the art studio, ensuring all necessary materials and space are available. 2. Prep Task 2: Arrange for video editing software and equipment to be accessible for students to complete their time-lapse videos. 3. Prep Task 3: Provide students with feedback on their draft reports and guidance on making revisions. 4. Prep Task 4: Organize the logistics for the 'Caterpillar Life Cycle Exhibit,' including space setup, invitations for community members, and necessary equipment for presentations. 5. Prep Task 5: Ensure students have the materials needed for their final reflection journal entries and provide prompts that encourage deep reflection.