Caterpillars!

This past week a special delivery arrived! Together we explored the package and many recognized  the UPS label. Together we read FRAGILE  LIVE INSECTS and then they knew! Our caterpillars were finally here. And were they tiny!

 We generated many questions together like "Where did they come from and how did they get in there?", "What kind of caterpillars are they?", "What do they eat?" and "Are they babies?"  Many students began searching books and remembering posters in the classroom and eagerly began their research!

Through very careful observations and comparing to our non-fiction books, we discovered they are Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars. 

The first graders were so enthusiastic about their discoveries and observations, they asked if they could make some drawings of what they knew about butterflies and caterpillars. Some drew the tiny caterpillars and others drew the entire life cycle. Still, others drew colorful butterflies fluttering in fields and sky.

The next day, upon discovering what they eat, we went on a Milkweed hunt. We found Milkweed plants by the Meetinghouse and brought some back to the classroom. Betsy helped us transplant a few little Milkweed plants outside our classroom. It was a wonderful group effort.

Upon more careful inspection of our Milkweed leaves someone noticed black and yellow specks on the back of them. They ran to the classroom to get a book but suspected they were butterfly eggs. Our magnifying glasses helped a bit but Betsy had a better idea. She went to Rosanne and borrowed a microscope to really inspect their findings. Well...

"Whoa!"

"Oh my gosh!"

"Yikes!"

"Cool!"

These were a few of the comments as some kids jumped back, including me, when we saw giant black, creepy, crawling aphids! They were hatching out of the eggs.

Soon after that, they class became, once again,  fascinated with the tiny caterpillars. We then inspected one under the microscope. 

"So cute!"

"Look at the stripes and colors!"

"They have spikes on both sides!"

"I see little dots on the stripes."

Finally, we concluded our week with very scientific, detailed drawings of the caterpillars, just as we saw them. We labeled them Day 3 and plan to keep the daily observations going. We think we actually saw one growing as it ate the Milkweed!

Enjoy these videos of our little caterpillar critters:

The video is now working but is a bit blurry compared to original. 

Finally, if you did not get an email regarding this blog, please let me know. As far as I know, all First Grade families are on my contact list, but I'm not sure if all are receiving my emails. Thanks!