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The Butterfly Garden
The presence of butterflies can indicate a healthy ecosystem. Not only do butterflies inspire wonder and fill the world with beauty, they are essential to help habitats thrive. Fluttering from flower to flower, butterflies are participating in pollination. When butterflies sip nectar from plants, pollen gathers on their bodies. As the butterflies move to the next plant, the pollen is transferred, causing cross-pollination. In addition, butterflies form a valuable link in the food chain. They are a food source for many other animals. In this activity, you'll teach your students about growing flowers from seeds and creating a schoolyard habitat for butterflies. See From Knowledge to Action for more ideas! Before You Start • Go to your plant store and buy seeds for growing daisies, zinnias, and cosmos. • Talk to your students about this special group of flower seeds. • Explain how butterflies enjoy these types of flowers. • Look at pictures of these flowers, and ask, "What does a seed need to grow into a flower?" • List students' answers—water, soil, sun, warmth, etc. • Ask, "What could happen to the seed to stop it from growing?" • List students' answers—wind, birds, not enough sun, people stepping on it, crowding with other plants, not enough water, etc. From This Information • Generate questions to ask about possible planting locations. • Is there enough sun? • Will the seeds get enough water? How? • Is it windy? • Do people walk through here? • Is there room for the seeds to grow? • Is there soil? If so, is it healthy? Take a walk around the school yard on a fact-finding mission. Have students answer the above questions about each possible site. Make a map of your schoolyard based on the information you gather! (There may be a map available of your school building. If so, bring it with you on your walk and add to it as you go.) Based on the information you gathered, talk about which location is best for planting seeds and why. Once you've chosen the location, you're ready to plant! Discuss the special Earth's Birthday butterfly flower recipe—a mixture of water, soil and seeds. • Ask students why they think coating the seeds in mud will help them grow. (The mud protects the seeds from birds and wind, and provides the seeds with essential moisture.) • Establish respectful rules for planting and head outside. • Happy Planting! 
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St. James Catholic School, Gadsden, AL  |