DAY 1: Nature of Science: Observation vs. Inference and Introduction to Butterfly Research (Time: 20 min)
Because this project is largely based on careful observation, students will need to be able to distinguish between their observations and inferences. For a more detailed description of the two, see the "Nature of Science" page. Because I introduced observation vs. inference earlier in the year using the Mystery Tube activity, I used the Dinosaur Bones as a refresher right before this project.
1. Choose at least one of the following lessons that teach the distinction between observation and inference:
2. Hand out a description of the project, summarizing expectations for the project, including the fact that they will be using digital microscopes to record events in the butterfly's life cycle, eventually identifying the species.
This should excite them... my students could not wait to use the digital cameras and microscopes!
THE BUTTERFLY PROJECT
RESEARCH TIMELINE