Hide a Butterfly Activity

Summary

Students will design a butterfly so that it can be hidden somewhere in the room. Students in the next class or on the next day will look for the butterflies.

Materials

• white butterfly cut outs attached (other shapes or animals may be used)
• markers, crayons or colored pencils

Student Prior Knowledge

Students should know that traits are inherited and some traits enable better survival. A butterfly that is best camouflaged in its environment has the best chance to survive and pass its color pattern on. The colorful patterns may be the result of genetic diversity or mutation.

Instructional Procedures

1. The students will each be given a white butterfly. They will move around the room and find a location for their butterfly. The object is to make the butterfly as invisible as possible.
2. Students should color the butterfly, checking with the actual location to make sure that they are getting the true color. Another student can hold it up so the designer can look carefully at the butterfly. Adjustments can be made as needed.
3. Students should write their names on the back of the butterfly and tape it up. Keep track of the number of butterflies posted so you have an accurate count of how many butterflies there are. The next day have the students count from their seats how many butterflies they can see. You may need to point out the really good ones.
4. Discuss the color changes that took place in the moths in London that changed color over time as industry changed. Mention that environmental changes create a need for genetic changes.
5. Have students write a descriptive paragraph to summarize the process of genetic selection of butterflies.

Assessment Plan

Scoring Guide:

Student participates with coloring and posting of butterfly……………….4
Student writes a paragraph that explains how environmental pressure will remove organisms not well adapted and favor those that are……………4

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.