Episode

79. Are Butterflies Insects? Investigation Activities for 1st and 4th Graders

Podcast
Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families
Published
Jul 20, 2026
Duration seconds
642
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not_requested
Canonical source
https://naturallyteaching.com/episode79
Audio
https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/4c74ad01-e2be-42ef-b131-4daed0e7810a.mp3
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Markdown
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Summary

Summer is when butterflies shine! They're out in full force, making it a great time to highlight butterflies and how they're insects. So let's get you inspired by some butterfly activity ideas this summer! Press play to hear descriptions for a thinking board about insects and butterflies for 1st graders and a set of butterfly senses centers for 4th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity answers the question "are butterflies insects?", and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode: 1-LS3-1: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents. 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways. Resources mentioned πŸ’š Episode 78: Butterflies with Orange and Other Adaptations for Kindergarten and 3rd Graders Insect Characteristic Booklet Naturally Teaching Activity Index Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode79 πŸ—‚ Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index πŸ›’ TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching πŸ’š Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com πŸ“Έ Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching πŸ’» Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching