Learn about Monarch Butterfly: Chrysalis (Pupa)
Fun Hands-On Science Activities with Kids
Learn about Monarch Butterfly to Protect Them
Main Idea
Monarch butterfly populations are shrinking, and they need our help! We've created a fun series to explore the world of monarch butterflies and learn how we can protect them together.
Activity Prep
Download & print the PDF below
Writing tools (pencils, colored pencils, markers, etc)
Books or videos about monarch butterflies
Story
The Monarch butterfly has a unique life cycle that's fun to discover. They are well known for their incredible migration to Mexico, but also their populations have been shrinking over the years and need our help! This worksheet is for kids to learn about monarch butterflies together and find out how we can protect them!
Observation and Discussion
These are monarch caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly images. Have you ever seen them in person?
Example Images of Monarch Butterfly
How to Use
Step 1: Download and print the PDF, but don’t look yet!
Step 2: First, the teacher should fold the sheet along the dotted line to hide the answer.
Step 3: Students will solve the trivia quiz. After they answer, unfold the paper to see the answer.
Step 4: Practice writing some new vocabulary words.
This time-lapse video shows how the monarch caterpillar changes into a chrysalis and a butterfly. It captured the magically beautiful moment of metamorphosis.
The TV show 60 Minutes features monarch migration. The filming quality was outstanding, and their interview is very informative.
Summary
After caterpillars transform into chrysalises, they must safely stay in one place for 10 to 14 days. Avoiding the use of pesticides will help them to be safe. Also, planting local milkweed or nectar-rich plants will provide food for them when they emerge as butterflies, creating a feast for their arrival.
If you are curious about what kind of milkweed you should plant to help monarchs, here is a great resource.
Disclaimer
The videos we watched have been sourced from YouTube channels.
FrontYardVideo / 60 Minutes
Full credit goes to these original creators for their excellent content and creativity. This site aims to provide educational materials while respecting contributors' intellectual property. For the original videos and more resources, visit these URLs.
