By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–There was truly magic in the air Friday afternoon at Union City Elementary School.
Students in several kindergarten classes witnessed the flutter-away end cycle of the evolution from caterpillars to butterflies in the final chapter of an annual science project.
The butterflies took immediate took flight from the nets of teachers upon their release in the school courtyard – much to the delight of excited students.
Students followed the transformation from the beginning, keeping journals of the process and learning daily about the life cycle of caterpillars.
The caterpillars were tiny and in cups when the project began. They came with all the food they would need while they were in the caterpillar stage. Once they became cocoons, they were allowed to harden for three days before being transferred to a butterfly net.
After 7-10 days, they emerged as butterflies.
Classes placed orange slices and flowers in the nets so they could observe the butterflies extending their tongues – which are like straws – to drink the nectar. Students learned the “tongue” is actually called a proboscis and eagerly used the word often.
Four days later, the butterflies were released in the courtyard.
“It’s an exciting time to be a kindergartner at Union City Elementary School!” teacher Sara Brown claimed. “We do this project every spring for fun and because it’s exciting for the kids. They can certainly tell you anything you need to know about butterflies.
“I’ve really enjoyed seeing my students excited to come to school and see if our caterpillars have changed each day. I hope this is a memory they look back on when they’re older and remember how much fun we had learning together.”