Boundless Butterflies

a WebQuest for third grade Science

by Mrs. Hugo and Mrs. Lynch,
Lincoln Titus Elementary School and Lakeland School District

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what the most widespread butterfly in the world is? Do you know how an egg the size of a pin head can develop into a boundless butterfly? Do you know how butterflies differ from moths? Your quest is to gather some amazing facts about the Painted Lady Butterfly. On this wonderous adventure you will gather information about the life cycle of the Painted Lady, as well as its physical characteristics, habitat, and food source. In addition, you will discover many other interesting facts. Your job as an investigative reporter is to complete the following tasks below.

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The Task

You may work with a partner or in a small group on the computer using the internet to investigate the Painted Lady butterfly. Use the Resource list of website links to gather facts about butterflies. You will then use the Butterfly Worksheet to record the information you find.

The Process
“Clicking on the following links will direct you to site(s) outside the Lakeland Central School District and theLincoln-Titus Elementary School server. The Lakeland Central School District is not responsible for contents on external sites and servers, nor does the district endorse the sponsors or advertising on these sites.”

Task 1	Use the World Wide Web to gather information about the Life Cycle of the Painted Lady Butterfly.
Task 2	Use the Butterfly Worksheet to record at least three facts about each stage of the butterfly's life cycle.
Task 3	View various web sites to learn more facts about the Painted Lady Butterfly. Use the Butterfly/Moth Information Sites below.
Task 4	Use the Think Quest site From Cutter to Flutter to gather information about the differences between butterflies and moths.
Task 5	Complete a Venn diagram that shows the similarities and differences between moths and butterflies.
Task 6	Create a five question quiz about butterflies and moths. Share with your partner.
Task 7	Writers Workshop-Write a story from the butterfly's point of view about a day in the life of a butterfly.

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Resources:

Butterfly/Moth Information Sites:

Painted Lady	Butterfly Habitat
Painted Lady Butterfly Information	Frequently asked questions about butterflies
Life Cycle of the Painted Lady

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Evaluation

Remember to complete the following:

Did you complete the butterfly worksheet?

Did you use the Think Quest site From Cutter to Flutter to help you gather information about butterflies and moths?

Did you print out and complete the Venn diagram?

Did you create a five question quiz about butterflies and moths, and did you share it with your partner?

Did you complete your story about a day in the life of a butterfly? This will be presented to the class.

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Conclusion

Congratulations! You have now completed the Boundless Butterfly WebQuest. Can you believe all the interesting sites you visited and the new information you have discovered? Not only have you learned about the Painted Lady, but you have also discovered how butterflies and moths are similar yet different. As an investigative reporter you have used the tools of technology and the internet.

Job well done!

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