An introduction to the life cycle for year 2 primary school students. Create a discussion in the classroom.

1. Content:
Science understanding: Living things grow, change and have offspring similar to themselves - exploring
different characteristics of life stages in animals such as egg, caterpillar and butterfly
Science as human endeavour: Science involves asking questions about, and describing changes in, objects and
events - describing everyday events and experiences and changes in our environment using knowledge of
science
science inquiry skills: Respond to and pose questions, and make predictions about familiar objects and events
- using the senses to explore the local environment to pose interesting questions, make inferences and
predictions
Lesson Resource: Science – the lifecycle of butterflies
Grade level: 2
Teaching Strategies: Interactive instruction – discussion. Use this resource as a tool to encourage
group discussions. Use this resource to introduce an inquiry learning project.
Higher order thinking: Critical thinking: reasoning, sequencing, explaining, questioning, and
generalising (ACARA a, n.d.). Creative thinking: imagine possibilities, connect ideas (ACARA b, n.d.).

6. Class Discussion Questions:
• What is the lifecycle of a butterfly?
• What changes did you observe?
• Where does the butterfly come from?
• How do you think a cacoon work?
• Who lays the eggs?
• How long do you think the butterfly takes to grow in the cacoon?
Why?
• What other animals change?

7. References
• ACARA a, (n.d.). Critical and creative thinking.
http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/GeneralCapabilities/Pdf/Crit
ical-and-creative-thinking
• ACARA b, (n.d.). Generating ideas, possibilities, and actions.
http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/GeneralCapabilities/critical-
and-creative-thinking/organising-elements/generating-ideas-
possibilities-and-actions