Mid Fall Larva Mystery

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find resources of strength that will endure as long as life lasts." Rachel Carson

It was a muggy day in early September. I was enjoying the warmth of the autumnal sun on my face. We had just made it through a week of torrential downpours pounding on my window panes. I was working cleaning up the debris in the yard. When I bent down to pick up some branches, I noticed something hanging under a window ledge. I was glad it had found a spot to be dry during the stormy weather.

Here is a photo of what I found... (click on the photo to get a large close up view)

science image

The next morning when I checked on it, I observed this!

monarch pupa hanging on window sill

Hone your observation and reasoning skills by carefully examining the photos.
Hint: When you click on a photo, a larger view will open. Use your Back button to return to this page.

Write your observations.

 

What measurements would a scientist make in this situation? Should a person touch it?

 

What instruments (tools) do you need to make these observations?


What have I discovered?

 

Make a prediction .. what will happen next?

 

Observation Skills Builders: The First Step in the Scientific Method > 45 activities.

Milkweeds and Monarch Butterflies EcoStudy Unit with activities star

Learn about the Scientific Method Activity Observation Skills Builders - Larva
Meadows, Fencerows and Fields EcoStudy Unit Bluebirds Project - learning focused exploration
Wetlands EcoStudy Unit Plants and People - learn about many plants
Learning about Waters and Watersheds Naturally Speaking - lots of nature related activities
Alternative Energy Activities & Energy units Women of Science Internet Activity
Environment Issues Game Tree Inventory & Map Project
Butterfly and Moth Internet Hunt Insect Mascot for your School or Community
Native Plants at School - a Garden Landscape Project Habitat Project Digital Science Journal

ivy rule

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Posted 9/2011 Cynthia O'Hora.