Metamorphosis: Amazing Transformations

What You'll Learn

During metamorphosis, an organism changes its body form completely. A butterfly begins as an egg, becomes a caterpillar, forms a chrysalis, and finally emerges with wings.

Key Words

decomposer
food web

Materials Needed

small pots
cotton balls
zip-lock bags
labels

Safety First

Protect your work surface with newspaper or plastic.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read the introduction and identify the main idea of this lesson.

Step 2 — Do

Model natural selection: scatter colored paper scraps on grass. Time how long it takes a partner to pick up each color. Which color survived longest? Why?

Step 3 — Observe

Observe what happens and describe it in detail.

Step 4 — Record

Record your observations in your science journal with measurements and descriptions.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

Which animals go through metamorphosis?