Making science lessons come to life takes on a whole new meaning thanks to the clever thinking of Kindergarten Teacher Robin from Ellenton, FL. She explains how she makes science literally come alive with a butterfly unit at the end of her students’ kindergarten year. It’s a great way to keep little learners engaged and excited about learning right until the very last day of school! Find out how she does it and then share your ideas for the end of the school year activities with us. We’d love to know how you celebrate a year well-spent!
Making Science Come to Life with a Butterfly Unit Study
Idea by Robin, Kindergarten Teacher, Ellenton, FL
My students and I end our Kindergarten school year with a special unit on Monarch butterflies. We raise the caterpillars during our last month (or so) of school. We make predictions, observe, record our findings and keep a journal of the caterpillars’ metamorphosis. We then release the butterflies and write stories about where we think they will go and what adventures the butterflies might encounter.
Then students self-connect by discussing and writing about how they have changed during their Kindergarten year. My Kindergarten students then “flutter” off to First Grade. Using the children’s handprints, we create a special butterfly T-shirt that says, “I am Fluttering Off to First Grade.” It is a super-special end-of-the-school year unit and the kids love it. I look forward to it each and every year.
Leave a comment below and share with us how you make science come to life for your students! We’d love to hear your end of the school year and STEM ideas!
Amanda Lawson says
This is a great way to end the school year, while the students are learning the butterfly life cycle they are also creating memories and the t-short is a great way for them to remember.
Daina R. says
Educational and personal! Love it!