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Butterfly Projects and Attractions

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Observe the Life Cycle
(Growth) of a butterfly
Here is an exciting project
that you and your children can
enjoy as you watch and observe the life cycle of a butterfly
right before your own eyes.
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Materials that you will need:
Pen
Twigs
Leaves
Caterpillar
Large Plastic Container with a lid


1.) Make several holes in the lid of your
plastic container (ice cream containers work really well).
2.) Collect a few sticks or twigs and
put them in your container. These twigs will provide a place for the
caterpillar to spin its protective shell and to grow in (develop).
3.) Search your yard for a caterpillar
on a leaf and place it in your plastic container and add a few more
leaves from the same plant as well. (This plant is most likely
the source of food that the caterpillar eats).
4.) Secure the lid on the plastic container
and place it in a warm and safe place. Keep a check on your caterpillar
box every day and be sure to add some more fresh leaves frequently.
5.) In a couple of weeks the caterpillar
should be forming its protective shell, called a chrysalis or cocoon. It
will look like a small brown case.
6.) Once the caterpillar has developed
its chrysalis start checking on your container twice a day. Now that
the chrysalis has been formed the butterfly/moth should hatch within
7 to 10 days. (If it does not hatch within this time period you should
place it back outside very carefully.
7.) As soon as a butterfly or a moth appears
you must release it to the outside. Carefully carry your container
outside and release your butterfly or moth.
What an amazing observation!
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