Week 3- Sharpening your scientific observation skills and preparing for the release.

Day 11 - 1. In your journal, record any changes you see taking place since yesterday. Keep in mind that changes during this stage are very subtle, that means the changes are hard to see. Draw a picture of what the chrysalis looks like today.

2. A butterfly is an insect. Click on Insect Boday Parts
www.butterflywebsite.com/Articles/ShowArticle.cfm?ID=320. This is a great site for learing about the body parts of an insect. Find answers to the following questions and write them in your journal: 1. What is the difference between simple metamorphosis and complete metamorphosis? What kind of metamorphosis does the butterfly have? 2. How many body regions are there and what is each one called? 3. Name the body parts on the head. 4. What are the two different kinds of mouthparts called.? 5. What do insects use antennae for? 6. How many segments are in the thorax? 7. How many legs does an adult insect have? 8. How many wings? 8. How many segments does the abdomen have

Day 12 - 1. Look closely at the chrysalides. What has changed? Write down what you see in your journal and draw a picture.

2. Click on The Butterfly Stage www.butterflywebsite.com/Articles/ShowArticle.cfm?ID=180. What is the first sign the butterfly is ready to emerge from the chrysalis? Look for this every day.

Day 13 - 1.By now, you should be a very good scientist as you observe the chrysalides and write down any changes that are taking place. It takes a lot of patience to be a scientist. You are doing very well.

2. Click on Butterfly FAQS www.butterflywebsite.com/faq.cfm. Find three (or more) interesting facts about caterpillars and butterflies and write them in your journal. Share the new facts with your classmates.

3. There are many other kinds of butterflies that live in New Mexico. Click on Butterflies of New Mexico www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/lepid/bflyusa/nm/toc.htm.
This site lists all the other known butterflies that live in  New Mexico. Scroll through this site and find 4 different kinds of butterflies that live in our state. Check out their photos. Name and write about them in your journal. Draw a picture to describe them. Would you find them in your neighborhood?

Day 14 - 1. What do your chrysalides look like today? Write down what you see. Can you see the wings beginning to form?

2. Click on Photo of Painted Lady butterfly Sitting on Pink Flowerbutterflywebsite.com/images/buttrfly/benson/04.jpg. This is what you will be seeing real soon!

3. Click on Butterflies of New Mexico www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/lepid/bflyusa/nm/225.htm
This site shows you where the Painted Lady butterflies like to live in New Mexico. Check out the pretty photos of the Painted Lady caterpillar and butterfly. Read about the butterfly. What is the Painted Lady butterfly's favorite food? What is another name for the Painted Lady butterfly? Why do you think this is a good name? Write your answers in your journal.

4. Now scroll to the end of the page and stop at the New Mexico map. Look at the map. Are Painted Lady butterflies easy to find in our state? Write your answers in your journal.

Day 15 - 1. Are the butterflies emerging? Did you see one break our of the chrysalis? What is that red liquid on the bottom of the butterfly house? Leave a sugar water solution inside the house. They will be hungry when they emerge.
 
 

Here is a picture of a butterfly that has just emerged.

2. Click on Butterfly Questions and Answers www.butterflywebsite.com/Articles/ShowArticle.cfm?ID=158. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Click on Butterflies and Moths frequently asked questions.  This site lists many questions students like you have about caterpillars and butterflies, and gives many interesting answers. Answer the following questions and write them in your journal:1. Why are butterfly wings so delicate? 2. How do butterflies go to the bathroom? 3. Are butterflies poisonous? 4. What do butterflies eat? Do they eat bugs? 6. Where do butterflies go when it rains? How high do butterflies fly and how fast do they fly?

3. Scroll through the Butterfly Questions and Answers site ( the blue site above) and find out about special things you find interesting and write them in your journal.

Day 16 - 1. Your butterflies should all have emerged from thir chrysalides. Watch them as they fly around the butterfly house. Are they anxious to leave? You can keep your butterflies as long as two weeks, but it is recommended to start planning the release about 5 days after emerging. Your butterflies are a special gift to Mother Earth. Follow the directions for releasing them in your instruction booklet and don't forget to record the day in your journal.

Click on the blue words below that say Conclusion to continue.