Life Cycles Antoinette Ursits Coastal Montessori Charter Montessori School Pawleys Island, SC

All life follows cycles

Types of Metamorphosis Complete: Butterflies Incomplete: Praying Mantids

Complete Metamorphosis Think of butterflies Think multi stages Egg or Ovum, Larval Stage, Pupal Stage, Adult A cocoon is what a larva wraps itself in during the pupal stage A crysalis is when a butterfly larva “splits” and the inside animal forms a “skin” around itself as it pupates.

Incomplete Metamorphosis Think “mini-me” New animals born looking very much like their parent just mini versions Examples: mammals, insect, aves, fish, reptiles (there must be exceptions out there…it would be fun to research.) Begins with egg/ovum then hatch as nymphs. Nymphs grow for a period of time then “shed” exoskelton. These growth periods are called “instars”. (Fun to try to follow number of instars for a species…but very hard!)

Ideas for daily activities with insects and living other things -chores (food, water, bedding) -quiet observation -scientific inquiry (sharpie marker larva) -sketching -mystery insect list (independent research slips) -think practical life (tools, shelf area for supplies) -always include the subject of life cycle in animal research and botany research Yoga Turtle