1.
Build Background Knowledge
Look at the graph One Monarch, How Many Eggs? and ask, What does the graph reveal?
Read aloud “How Much is
a Million?” to
conceptualize immense numbers and understand exponential growth.
2.
Explore the Math
Place students
in small groups. Provide each group the handout, From One to One Billion
Butterflies. Explore population growth and the reproductive potential of monarchs.
- Have students describe how the
graphs help them understand the growth potential of monarch populations.
- Encourage
students to write story problems for the class to solve using the data
on the graphs.
3.
Revisit Key Concepts
Write these
two phrases on chart paper: “reproductive potential” and “limiting
factors.” Have
students explain how these words relate to monarchs using details
from the slideshow. Reread the final page of the slideshow.
Use guiding questions to discuss how limiting factors keep populations from reaching unsustainable
levels:
- What
factors might influence the number of eggs a monarch butterfly lays?
- Which
factors might impact survival at each phase of the life cycle?
- egg
- larval
- chrysalis
- adult
- What
limiting factors might impact survival at each stage of the annual cycle:
- spring migration
- fall migration
- breeding season
- overwintering
season
4.
Chart the Limiting Factors
Distribute the Monarch
Annual Cycle and have students think about what challenges
monarchs face during each stage. As students track
the migration, have them record limiting factors that may impact population
growth and decline on the chart. Display the chart and add ideas throughout
each season.
5. Revisit Essential Question
Assess students' understanding by asking them to summarize their discoveries. |
