Habitats and Life Cycles

Over the past month we have been working on life cycles and habitats. The students have conducted research, read a variety of books, and performed many hands-on activities. Here are just a few...

Habitats and Animal Classifications:
Students began by looking up different types of animals and the habitats that they live in. We also discussed living things and their basic needs. The class recorded facts telling why animals live in particular places. The students sorted picture cards into their classification groups and then brainstormed other animals that they knew about.  They used their background knowledge about the animals to justify which classification each belonged to. For example, "I know that a dog has fur and gives birth to live young so I believe it would fit into the mammal category."  Once students had a firm understanding of animal types, they began researching to complete a report on a habitat of their choice. 

Life Cycles:
Students learned about both plant and animal life cycles. According to our standards, the focus for second grade is the life cycle of a bean and the life cycle of a butterfly. Through our research we identified many others as well.  Students completed the following sheets by drawing the stages in a particular plant or animal's life. They then explained each step in writing.  In addition, students used window greenhouses to germinate bean seeds. Unfortunately, I think we got some old seeds because only about a third of them actually started to grow :( This did give us the perfect opportunity to discuss variables in science experiments and the importance of performing a procedure more than once to see if the results are accurate or not. :)

After our flop with the bean seeds we started a "butterfly farm" with a caterpillar that the class kindly named Fatso. (The name actually came after we had had it for a while.  He was HUGE!!!) Every day the kids would come in and watch him. After what seemed like forever he finally made his chrysalis. It was very hard for the class to be patient as the days passed. Our research told us that it usually takes approximately 2 weeks for the adult butterfly to emerge. At 2 1/2 weeks we had all but given up on our sweet Fatso.  FINALLY.....today he emerged!!!! He was a beautiful Pipevine Swallowtail. The kids got to watch as his wings dried and he began trying to fly for the first time. After we knew he ready we went outside and waved farewell to our classroom friend as he flew off. The kids loved it!!