Science

LI: (1) to describe the life cycle of an insect

     (2) to understand the differences between different types of life cycle: simple, complete and incomplete metamorphosis 

Science: life cycles of insects (main heading)

Session 1:

I’m sure you already know that a butterfly starts its life as a caterpillar.  After all, I’m sure you’ve all read the Hungary caterpillar!  If you want  to test your insect knowledge, try out this quick quiz https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/quiz/animals-and-nature/take-insects-quiz/

Watch:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWHegREkHjM Here the video simply explains the differences between complete and incomplete metamorphism.
• Here’s a great time lapse video of the complete metamorphism of a ladybird - DO NOT WATCH IF YOU DON’T LIKE CREEPY CRAWLIES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqddneGYkc4
• Dragonflies are an example of an incomplete metamorphism with insects. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezq_JWd1Sd8 sets out in detail the life cycle sequence.

Explore: Insect life cycles: complete and incomplete metamorphism PowerPoint where it provides a fuller explanation of the two life cycle types.

Task:

Subheading What is the difference between complete and incomplete metamorphism? Complete two life cycle sheets: one showing a complete metamorphosis and one an incomplete. Remember to select the challenge based on the number of stars:

CH1 = ★

Ch2 = ★★

Ch3 = ★★★

Session 2:

Watch: ‘Life cycle of a butterfly’ video clips to gain a more in-depth knowledge and detail:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1S8WzwLPlM for a cartoon version – I enjoyed the music!
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AUeM8MbaIk cue dramatic music!

Read: ‘National Geographic Great Migrations: Butterflies’ - page 30: Life Cycle to egg https://www.getepic.com/app/read/15131 You will need to access this book via Epic education account using the link below:

https://www.getepic.com/educators?share=24613816152&utm_source=t2t&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=rsa_teacher_app

Task:

To write the story of ‘The life cycle of a butterfly’.  This will not only test your story telling skills but should also show your scientific knowledge too!

Explore: This story written by a teacher for much younger children than you : https://www.storyjumper.com/book/read/5811212/The-Life-Cycle-of-a-Butterfly#

You can present your story in many different ways:

• Sign up for free to story jumpers and create a book like the example shown.
• Write a story and add in your own illustrations
• Create a PowerPoint story book
• Create a cartoon-styled story
• Feeling really creative? Try acting it out in an imovie!

...The list is endless but as creative or as straightforward as you want or as time allows!

Challenges:

Challenge 1 – rewrite the story as in the example below but uplevel the scientific knowledge covered (give facts and figures) and the language choices and sentence structures

Could become –

In around February or March time, the Monarch butterfly starts the cycle of life again.  This beautiful creatures makes her way into the forest …

Challenge 2: write your own version for the butterfly life cycle

Challenge 3: Choose an insect life cycle to write your own life cycle story for.