From Caterpillar to Butterfly: Experiencing the

Process of Metamorphosis
When one student brought in a caterpillar to school, the class became very curious about
caterpillars. They received caterpillars in the mail and placed them into the butterfly garden. The
students consulted research books and the Internet to understand the changes the caterpillars
were going through, and were even able to witness one forming its chrysalis! While the caterpillars
were in their chrysaliss, the students worked collaboratively to create the Butterfly Box, to serve
as their new habitat once they emerged as butterflies.

Eli and Lucy observing a

caterpillar eating milkweed

Elis sketch of a
caterpillar in his journal

Eli sketching a chrysalis using a

resource book

Illinois Early Learning and

Development Standards
5.C.ECa Participate in group projects or
units of study designed to learn about a
topic of interest
5.C.ECb With teacher assistance, recall
factual information or share that information through drawing, dictation, and
writing
11.AECf Make meaning from experience
and information by describing, talking,
and thinking about what happened during an investigation

Eli, Brady, and Liam creating the

Butterfly Box

Katie Zielinski
Student, Bradley University