Rainforest Caterpillars Grades K-2

• PRINT
• EMAIL

Students will also use interactive online technology to caterpillars of Costa Rica and create caterpillars that fit their environment.

OBJECTIVE
Students will:

1. Look at pictures of adaptations present in caterpillars of Costa Rica and discuss their significance
   
2. Model a stylized caterpillar out of recycled materials
   
3. Exhibit good craftsmanship in their finished piece
   

MATERIALS

1. Endangered Ecosystems Activities 
2. pipe cleaners
3. empty egg cartons
4. tempura paint (assorted colors)
5. scissors
6. glue
7. yarn
8. feathers
9. googley eyes
10. paint brushes
11. glitter
12. beads
13. hole punch
    

SET UP AND PREPARE

1. Look at some photographs or examples of Costa Rican caterpillars.
2. Use the photos and information found on http://www.tulane.edu/~ldyer/lsacat/index.htm to aid the lesson.
3. Discuss the significance of the insect's adaptations, i.e., color, coverings, size, shape, and defenses. Compare and contrast the various species examined.
4. Have students discuss which caterpillars they believe are more successful in surviving than others. Ask the students to support their responses with visual evidence.
   

DIRECTIONS

1. Explain to the students that after careful discussion and examination of rainforest caterpillars, they are going to be given the opportunity to create their own rainforest caterpillar based on the information they have studied.
2. Give the students habitat scenarios on 3 x 5 cards, i.e., caterpillar lives on a spiny, purple plant in the Canopy layer and is preyed upon by bats, or allow the students to create their own conditions. Be sure to encourage students to write a brief natural history card describing what adaptations the caterpillar has, what it eats, color, size, rainforest level, predators, and behaviors (dropping, frass throwing, biting, etc.).
3. Have the students to create their own caterpillar, using the materials on the material list, that would survive under the scenario's conditions that were given to them or the examples they created on their own.
4. Encourage the students to create a drawing of the butterfly or moth that the caterpillar will eventually turn into. Have the students explain in writing, or through an oral presentation, the reason behind their butterfly or moth.
5. Display all the creations as if it was an entomology display on rainforest caterpillars. Invite other classes in to view the exhibit and encourage the creators to explain the exhibit.
   

SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS
This activity can be connected to art, natural history, science, language arts, and social studies.

LESSON EXTENSION
Students can work in teams of two. One student could create the caterpillar and the other student could create a parasitoid that would prey, or attempt to prey, on the caterpillar.
Instead of caterpillars, students could create parasitoids with unique adaptations that could be used to combat the caterpillar's defenses.
Using recycled materials, have students create rainforest caterpillars by outfitting a partner with recycled adaptations. The recycled materials could serve as the spines/toilet paper rolls, fur/old shirts, cryptic patterns/old magazines and hair/yarn.
Have students create a fictitious story about their caterpillars. Allow them to illustrate the story, write the text on a computer or typewriter, and create the book cover. Students can take turns everyday reading the stories out loud to their classmates.

• Teacher Store
• 

  The Teacher Store
  	Best Book of Bugs In this bug's-eye view of the world of insects, all manner of creepy crawlies scuttle, march, swim, and fly. Realistic artwork details an amazing variety of species and habitats. Readers will discover all the fun and informative facts about these weird and wonderful creatures. $5.95 Paperback Book | Grades K-3

  
  Best Book of Bugs
  Grades K-3 $5.95
  
• Teacher Store
• 

  The Teacher Store
  	In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming null $5.95 Paperback Book | Grades K-2

  
  In the Tall, Tall Grass
  Grades K-2 $5.95
  

Endangered Ecosystems Grades 4-5
Lesson requiring each student to focus on one animal and its unique ecosystem. Involves reading comprehension, note taking, presentation, and...

Endangered Ecosystems Grades 6-9
Requires students to compare and contrast different endangered ecosystems and the animals that belong in them.

Teacher Lesson on Ecosystems and Recycling
Learn about ecosystems, understand how reducing, reusing, and recycling can impact the environment, and practice reading comprehension skills.