Insect Science Projects
Insect Science Project - Butterfly Growth and Temperature
The purpose of this insect science project experiment is to determine how temperature affects the growth of butterflies.Background:
Research information on butterflies and their life cycles. Answer the following questions: What are the stages in the life cycle of the Painted Lady Butterfly? What factors influence caterpillar growth? About how long does it take for a caterpillar to develop into a chrysalis?
Hypothesis:
From your research you will predict whether butterflies develop faster under warmer or cooler conditions.
Materials: (Adult supervision of kids is always recommended.)
- Suggested insect science projects kit: Butterfly Pavilion Kit includes - Pavilion habitat, free mail in certificate for 10 Painted Lady butterfly larvae with special food, and instruction book.
| Science Kit: Butterfly Pavilion | ages 4 and up |
| Science Kit: Extra Painted Lady Butterfly Larvae | You will need additional larvae to repeat experiment. |
| Scientifics Online: Butterfly Pavilion | ages 4 and up |
- camera
- thermometer
- paper
- pencil
Procedure:
1. Gather materials needed for your experiment. You must mail in your certificates before you can receive the butterfly larvae.
2. Read instructions on how to care for the caterpillars.
3. Measure and record the length of the caterpillars.
4. Place 5 caterpillars and food in one of the caterpillar unit cups. Place another 5 caterpillars and food in another cup.
5. Place one of the cups in a high location in a room. For example, place it on a bookcase or high shelf.
6. Record the temperature in this location.
7. Place the other cup in a cooler location in the room. For example, place it near the floor.
8. Record the temperature in this location. The temperature should be at least 2 degrees cooler.
9. Check both cups daily being sure to note any changes in the way the caterpillars look and changes in size. Take pictures of your caterpillars as well.
10. Record the time and the date the caterpillars in each location become chrysalises.
11. Once the caterpillars become butterflies, follow instructions in your kit on how to care for them.
12. Repeat experiment.
Results:
Record your data and compare your results. Graph and chart your data. Did the caterpillars in each location grow at the same rate? Which group grew the fastest? Why? Did you get the same results when you repeated the experiment?
Conclusion:
Summarize what happened in your insect science projects experiment based on your results. Explain patterns in your data. Did your data support your hypothesis? If not, explain why. Evaluate your project and make suggestions for improvements.
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