All grades  Lesson 30 minutes

Bug Bonanza: Butterflies & Bees Bash!

Paul Messerle
2-LS2-2
LS.4.D
HS-LS2-2
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in a hands-on exploration of the vital roles butterflies and bees play in ecosystems, focusing on their contributions to pollination and biodiversity. Through creative projects, interactive activities, and community involvement, students will develop a deeper understanding of these insects' life cycles, behaviors, and environmental impacts. This approach fosters self-directed learning, critical thinking, and a sense of belonging, as students connect their discoveries to real-world ecological and community contexts.

Learning goals

Students will explore the life cycles of butterflies and bees, comparing their stages and understanding their roles in pollination and plant reproduction. They will engage in hands-on activities to document these processes and create a butterfly and bee-themed storybook, integrating factual information with creative expression. Through collaborative projects and community engagement, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while fostering a sense of place and belonging in their learning environment.
Standards
  • 2-LS2-2 - Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.
  • LS.4.D - Biodiversity and Humans
  • HS-LS2-2 - Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a collaborative butterfly and bee-themed storybook, with each contributing a page that combines factual information and creative illustrations. Additionally, they will develop skits, songs, or poems for the 'Bee and Butterfly Symposium' to creatively present their research findings. These products will be shared with the community during the 'Storybook Celebration' at the local library, showcasing their understanding of the insects' environmental impact.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with an 'Insect Investigation Station' where students rotate through interactive activities. Set up magnifying glass exploration to observe insect specimens, engage them with insect-themed puzzles, and provide art supplies for creating butterfly and bee crafts. This hands-on approach will spark curiosity and excitement about the roles of butterflies and bees in ecosystems, setting the stage for deeper exploration throughout the project.

Exhibition

Invite the community to a 'Storybook Celebration' at the local library, where students will read their butterfly and bee-themed storybooks aloud. Following the readings, facilitate a discussion on the environmental impact of these insects, encouraging community members to engage with the students' insights. Display the storybooks in the library for visitors to view and explore, creating an interactive space for learning and reflection.