Life Science
As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of:

• Structure and function in living systems.
• Reproduction and heredity.
• Population and behavior.
• Diversity and adaptations of organisms.

Source:National Science Education Standards

After working in small groups to outline main facts about the migration of the monarch butterfly, students can develop stories, poetry or plays depicting the impact of environmental influences on butterfly behavior. The teacher can discuss the importance of preserving monarch habitats to protect the monarch butterfly's unique migratory phenomenon. The student writing can be celebrated with a colorful report cover.

Figure A

Supplies Used: Adhesive Letters, Cardstock, Glue, Markers, Pens, Scissors

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

1. Die-cut the LG Clothespin Critter, Butterfly, using orange and black cardstock or construction paper. Attach the black Butterfly body to the orange Butterfly (Figure A).
2. Die-cut 6 of the SM Leaf (Basic Beginnings) using green paper. Die-cut 3 or 4 of the LG Bare Tree branches using brown paper.
3. Adhere the branches, leaves and decorated Butterfly to the front of a report cover (see Main Photo).
4. The students may use markers or pens to highlight the Butterfly. Students may also handwrite or apply adhesive letters to the front cover for the title.