This NGSS MS-LS1-5 lab is an easy way for kids to see for themselves how an environmental factor directly affects the growth of an organism.
In this activity, students will:
- READ background information about the Buckeye Butterfly. this species is interesting because if the larvae develop in cooler temperatures, the adults will have smaller wingspans but larger eye spots. Warmer temperatures result in larger wingspans and smaller eye spots.
- MEASURE the wingspans and eye spots of 8 butterfly pictures and record the data in a data table. Students will also create simple bar graphs to display the data.
- ANSWER follow-up questions.
- Make a CLAIM based on EVIDENCE about how the environmental factor of temperature affected the development of the butterflies.
Materials Required:
- You’ll need one class set of color copies of the butterfly images; 1 page per student, pair, or group, depending on how you’re having them do the lab. Save the number of copies you have to make! Make one class set of the images and reuse them class-to-class!
Teacher Notes:
- A suggested answer key is included.
- This MS-LS1-5 lab is not editable.
- You can also shop our TPT store!
Related Standard:
- NGSS MS-LS1-5: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.
