How to Make a Butterfly Life Cycle

This fun and easy project uses materials you may already have around your home.
The basic instructions below can be modified to create life cycles for a range of different insects and other creatures.

Suggested Materials:

* 1 x sheet of white poster-sized cardboard
* 1 x large sheet of green card (or paper)
* Small scrap pieces of white card (or paper)
* Felt-tip markers in a variety of colours
*Scissors
* Glue
* Ruler
* Pencil

Suggested Instructions:

Step 1: Write your title, "Life Cycle of a Butterfly", in large letters across the top of your cardboard using bright felt-tip markers.

Step 2: Use a ruler and pencil to divide your cardboard into 4 equal sections by drawing a large cross below your title. (Draw your lines lightly. You will want to erase these later).

Step 3: In the top left hand square, draw, cut and glue a piece of green card (or paper) in the shape of a large leaf. Add veins to your leaf using a darker green felt-tip marker.

Step 4: Cut and glue a small round piece of white card (or paper) onto your leaf. This is your egg. Use your markers to label this stage of the life cycle "Egg" in large letters.

Step 5: In the top right hand square, draw, cut and glue green circles together in a curvy line to form your caterpillar.

Step 6: Cut two smaller white circles for your caterpillar's eyes and draw in pupils using your markers. Glue the eyes on to your caterpillar.

Step 7: Decorate your caterpillar with felt-tip markers (glitter pens or other adornments are optional). Use your markers to label this stage of the life cycle "Caterpillar" in large letters.

Step 8: In the bottom left hand square, draw and colour-in a tree branch using a brown, black or grey marker.

Step 9: Draw and cut a green oval in the shape of a chrysalis. Glue your chrysalis so that it is "hanging" from your tree branch. Use your markers to label this stage of the life cycle "Chrysalis" in large letters

Step 10: In the bottom right hand square, draw a big beautiful butterfly using your markers (ie. a long, thin oval body, a round head, two wings on each side, and two antennae).

Step 11: Decorate your butterfly with felt-tip markers (glitter pens or other adornments are optional). Use your markers to label this stage of the lifecycle "Butterfly" in large letters.

Step 12: Erase the pencil lines separating each section. Now, use your markers to join each stage of the lifecycle with a large, curved arrow showing the circular and ongoing nature of the butterfly's life cycle.

Step 13: Show your Butterfly Life Cycle to your class!