Butterflies were the center of attention in many of our classrooms this month! One of our little learners’ favorite activities was a fun “Caterpillar to Butterfly” science experiment. We’re going to show you how you can replicate this fun activity at home with your favorite kiddos. But first, it’s always helpful to read a good book for inspiration!
Chasing Butterflies, by Vontavia J Heard, is the story of a girl named Keely, who learns about the butterfly life cycle and the importance of letting go as she raises a caterpillar and eventually releases it when it becomes a butterfly. Our students could relate to this book, as it mirrors their own experiences!
Now that you’ve got butterflies on the brain, let’s do an easy and engaging butterfly-themed STEAM project that your future scientists will want to repeat over and over again! You’ll need a few things from around your house: balloons, a permanent marker, vinegar and baking soda, an empty clear bottle, a funnel, a measuring spoon, and some safety goggles.
Draw a caterpillar on one side of your balloon, and a butterfly on the other. Add vinegar to your plastic bottle. Using the funnel, add a spoonful of baking soda to the inside of your balloon. Attach your balloon to the mouth of your bottle with the caterpillar side showing.
Now, have your child lift up the balloon and let the baking soda spill into the vinegar. The balloon will fill up with the gasses released from the chemical reaction, and your butterfly will rise!
Click here to find the full experiment from The Educator’s Spin On It.
As always, be as creative as you want, and have lots of fun learning together!