Students begin their study of these two stages by sharing their prior knowledge of caterpillars and then, as a pre-assessment exercise, they draw what they think a caterpillar looks like. In Lesson 2, they learn about caterpillars' basic needs for air, water, food, and shelter and make and record their first observations. In Lessons 3 through 6, emphasis is placed on developing observational and recording skills. In Lessons 7 and 8, the caterpillar signals the end of this stage of its life cycle by hanging upside down from the top of its shelter in a distinctive J-shape. It molts one last time and is transformed into a shining chrysalis.
Students observe and draw the chrysalis and speculate on what is happening to their caterpillars.
As the butterfly emerges, students observe the process and identify the butterfly body parts and learn how they function. For the next few days, students provide a variety of food for the butterflies and observe the specialized sucking mouth, the proboscis, in action. Then, after several days, the children release the butterflies, with the realization that butterflies are part of the natural world. In the final three lessons, students refine their understanding of the butterfly as an insect and of the life-cycle concept. First, they review their own data and observations of the life cycle of the Painted Lady.