First Graders Explore Butterfly Life Cycle Through Hands-On Learning

First graders recently embarked on an exciting educational journey to the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary, enriching their ongoing project-based learning unit on butterflies.

This immersive experience brought the classroom curriculum to life, offering students a deeper understanding of the butterfly life cycle and the distinctions between butterflies and moths. A highlight of the visit was the Flutterarium, where students had the unique opportunity to interact with live butterflies—some even landing gently on their arms and fingers as they fed them.

In the classroom, students observed the metamorphosis process firsthand through their own butterfly habitat. Each caterpillar transformed into a chrysalis and, in time, emerged as a painted lady butterfly. The young scientists then released their butterflies into Moravian Academy’s organic garden, completing the cycle with care and wonder.

Adding to the day’s discoveries, students were also thrilled to encounter live axolotls, further fueling their curiosity about the natural world. Through this engaging blend of observation, exploration, and hands-on learning, our first graders continue to cultivate a lifelong love of science and discovery.