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| Monarch Butterfly Project | | | | |
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Using a grant made possible by BHEF, Mrs. Goldstein developed a unit of study on the monarch's flight to Mexico. |
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The project included literature, social studies, geography, science, mathematics, and art. The students were encouraged to examine the migration of the monarch, one of nature's greatest mysteries. |
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Mrs. Goldstein and a student feed the larvae. |
The caterpillar larvae were only about 1/4" long when they arrived at Woodruff School. |
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They eat for about 2 weeks until they are about 2" long. |
The larvae create a silk button, attach to a favorite spot, and form a "J" before shedding the last time. |
The larvae form a chrysalis that hangs for another two weeks. |
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The butterfly breaks through the crysalis and slowly emerges. At first the wings are very tiny but they grow as blood is pumped into them. |
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This is the chrysalis after the butterfly has emerged. |
After emerging, the monarch is tagged for identification. It rests, dries and exercises its wings. |
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The male monarch can be identified by the two dots on its wings. The female doesn't have dots. |
The butterfly is moved to a "rearing sleeve" until it is ready to be released. |
Students use reference materials to learn more about the monarchs. |
Mrs. Goldstein and her students have released over 100 butterflies. |
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