Monarch Butterflies Form and Function in Nature What Does it Look Like and Why? The inquiry process begins when students experience a phenomenon that raises burning questions. Show students the stunning image to the right, of the barbed hooks that hold the chrysalis to its silk pad. Without revealing what they are seeing, ask students: What do you think this might be? What familiar thing(s) does it look like? What is the purpose/function of each familiar thing? Write a descriptive list of all the "look alikes" students mention. In a column to the right, have students describe the function. As a class, write a poem incorporating the various forms and functions the group has generated. Next, reveal to the students that this pictures is actually a part of the monarch butterfly. Ask them to imagine what part of a monarch this might be. Finally, show the video clip of the metamorphosis process from caterpillar to chrysalis. Learn from Dr. Brower's description what the silk and hooks do. Then go back to your list. Are any of the functions similar to those on the list you generated? National Science Standards Science as Inquiry Ask a question about objects, organisms, or events. (K-4) Life Science Living systems at all levels of organization demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function. (5-8)

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