The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Observing Caterpillars

Observing Caterpillars

A 2nd grade STEM Lesson

Kisha Delgado

3/29/2023

Notes for teachers

List of Materials

• Live caterpillars
• images of caterpillars
• marshmallow
• toothpicks
• pipe cleaners
• cotton balls
• rubber bands
• From Caterpillar to Butterfly Books

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• Context: This lesson can take place in a classroom or outside (weather permitting) for 45-60 min.
• Students may work with a partner or by themselves.
• Make sure students understand the body parts of a caterpillar.
• Creative solutions should be encouraged
• Ask students questions on how plants help caterpillars survive.

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Standards

Science Standards:

2.L2U1.10 Develop a model representing how life on Earth depends on energy from the Sun and energy from other organisms.

Animals need food that they can break down, which comes either directly by eating plants or by eating animals which have eaten plants or other animals. Animals are ultimately dependent on plants for their survival. (2.L2U1.9)

Science and Engineering Practices:

● ask questions and define problems ● develop and use models ● plan and carry out investigations ● analyze and interpret data ● use mathematics and computational thinking ● construct explanations and design solutions ● engage in argument from evidence ● obtain, evaluate, and communicate information

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Standards

Reading Standard:

2.RL.1 Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.

Speaking and Listening:

2.SL.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups

Language:

2.L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

Objective(s):

Today we will observe the body parts and movements of caterpillars.

Students will make predictions and talk about what changes they think will happen next.

Students will make predictions on how plants and a natural environment help caterpillars.

Agenda (45 minutes)

Observe and watch the caterpillar

Write down observations.

Talk with a partner about caterpillar

From Caterpillar to Butterfly

Make a design of the caterpillar

What color is the caterpillar? How big is it? What colorful adjectives can you use to describe it?

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From Caterpillar to Butterfly

Hands-on Activity Instructions

• With a partner, construct a caterpillar model
• You can use any of the materials set out (marshmallow, toothpicks, egg cartons, pipe cleaners, golf balls, rubber bands.

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Assessment

Caterpillar assessment: walking around and having students explain their model. Making sure it has the same components as a caterpillar.

Reading assessment is asking who, what, when, where, why questions after reading the book From a Caterpillar to a Butterfly.

Whole group assessment about how a caterpillars natural environment helps them survive.

Differentiation

This activity is to be done whole group. A lot of talking and communication about what is going on.

~talk with a partner

~talk with teacher

~group work

As you are walking around observing, help children that need help. It can be done by the teacher or by a student.

Students can create a story in which the main character is their caterpillar.

Students can create their own life cycle of the caterpillar.