April 8, 2011
BKW second grader Ezeke Pulliam holds the Cecropia moth that hatched in Mr. Tidd's class.
Second graders in Mr. Tidd's class had the chance to see North America's largest native moth hatch right in their classroom.
As part of their science curriculum, the second grade classes teach the life cycle of a butterfly and moth.
"In September, most children bring in monarch caterpillars so we can watch the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly," second grade teacher Mark Tidd said. "Since Ezeke Pulliam couldn’t find a monarch caterpillar, he brought in a cocoon of a caterpillar that he found in his field."
After conducting some research, the class discovered that it was a Cecropia moth. This moth is very fascinating because it is the largest silkworm moth in North America. The moth was in its cocoon since September and just hatched during the last week. Since hatching, the moth has laid more than 100 eggs.
"The class has made observations over the last
week, and we have discussed the changes from day to day. The moth only
had a 50 percent chance to hatch and only lives for a couple weeks
because it does not eat because it has no digestive system," Tidd said.
"This has been a rewarding experience for the children because it gives
them a first-hand experience of watching the life cycle and is a great
way to incorporate scientific inquiry."
District HOME
