Science: Life Science

As a result of the activities in grades K-4, all students should develop an understanding of the life cycles of organisms.

As a result of the activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of reproduction and heredity.

Source: National Science Education Standards

Create fun gate-fold cards to outline the stages of the ladybug life cycle. For further study, students can identify the characteristics present at each stage of development, understanding that each stage leads to the next in the circle of life. Showcase these cards by displaying them on the science bulletin board for Open House.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Supplies Used: Construction Paper, Double-Sided Tape, Glue, Markers, Pen, Scissors

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Using an 9" x 7" piece of green cardstock or construction paper, fold the two ends inwards to create a gate-fold card.
2. Print information regarding a ladybug's life cycle on a white 4 1/4" x 6" piece of paper, and adhere to the inside of the card using glue, double-sided tape or other adhesive (Figure A).
3. Computer or hand-print the words "Ladybug Life Cycle" vertically down the left front fold of the card.
4. Die-cut SM Ladybug #1 using black and red cardstock or construction paper. Assemble the Ladybug and adhere to the inside of the card (Figure B).
5. Die-cut two LG Ladybug #1 using black and red paper and assemble. Fold the completed Ladybugs in half vertically (Figure C).
6. Attach the folded bottom of one Ladybug to the inside of the left fold. To make a complete Ladybug, align the other Ladybug on the right fold and adhere to the inside of the right fold (Figure D).
7. When the card is closed, the pulls that open the card look like a complete Ladybug (Figure E).
8. When the card is opened, three complete Ladybugs will appear (see Main Photo).