The start of each school year coincides with the migration of the Monarch butterfly, and Trafford Elementary teacher Mr. Michael Bujdos likes to begin his class with a hands-on lesson on the subject. He strives to spark his 3rd graders’ interest in science while teaching about the life cycle of the insect.
Students observed six live caterpillars eating milkweed, forming their chrysalises, and then emerging as butterflies. They did this as they read the book "The Amazing Monarch" which explains the four stages of the insect's life cycle in addition to its long migration to Mexico.
Nathan Springer observes a monarch caterpillar
Several students observe a caterpillar forming its chrysalis
Sami Malloy and Jay Zucco observe a small monarch caterpillar on a milkweed leaf
Sami Malloy holds an adult Monarch butterfly
Gia Pecora holds an adult Monarch butterfly
Jay Zucco with a temporary classroom pet