I30 NATURE STUDY LESSONS FOR PRIMARY GRADES 



holes for the air to pass through. The children 

 will feed the caterpillars and watch their growth. 

 They grow to their full length, one and one-half 

 inches or less, in about three weeks. 



What happens when they are fully grown ? (They 

 hang themselves up.) How? Where does the silk 

 come from? (From the mouth.) In the body of the 

 caterpillar are two long bags which hold a sticky fluid. 

 This fluid flows through a tube which ends in the 

 middle of the lower lip. The fluid hardens as soon 

 as it comes to the air. 



Does the caterpillar hang with its head up or 

 down? Then what happens? (It throws off its 

 caterpillar skin.) Make a picture of it as it hangs 

 now. 



The children note the day when it goes into its 

 chrysalid state, and watch for it to come out. They 

 will need to watch about eleven days if the study 

 is begun early in the season. It will be a joyful 

 moment for them if they are so fortunate as to see 

 it leave its home. How does it go to work to get 

 out? (It begins to move about, a slit comes on its 

 back, and it puts its head out; then the rest of 

 its body comes out, and the little green house is 

 left empty.) 



