The Life Cycle of a Butterfly
Grade 1st Grade · Science · 30 min
What's Included
Learning Objective
I can identify the stages of a butterfly's life cycle.
Reading Passage
Butterfly Life Cycle
A butterfly has a special life. It changes many times. This is called a life cycle. It starts as a tiny egg. The egg is often on a leaf. Soon, the egg hatches. Out comes a small caterpillar. The caterpillar is also called a larva. It eats and eats. It grows big and long. It sheds its skin many times. When it is big enough, it stops eating. It hangs upside down. It makes a hard shell around itself. This shell is called a chrysalis. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar changes. It changes into a pupa. After some time, the chrysalis opens. A beautiful butterfly comes out! The butterfly has wings. It flies from flower to flower. It drinks nectar. It also lays new eggs. Then the cycle starts all over again. It is a wonder to watch!
Warm-Up Video
Free School · 4:18
Metamorphosis: Caterpillar to Butterfly for Children - FreeSchool
Guided Notes
3 key concepts
- 1
Butterflies begin their lives as caterpillars, which hatch from eggs.
- 2
A caterpillar is ready for its transformation, called metamorphosis, when it forms a chrysalis.
- 3
After about two weeks, a butterfly will emerge from its chrysalis and wait for its wings to dry before flying.
Practice Questions
3 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer
Exit Ticket
Quick comprehension check
“List the four main stages of a butterfly's life cycle in the correct order.”
Complete Lesson Package
Get all 3 ready-to-use resources:
