Butterfly Parts and Marks
Learn how to identify and describe a butterfly using body part names and field marks.
The Nurturing Power of Nature
Learn how nature is working all around you, all the time.
About the Activities
Nature is made up of an almost infinite number of small things that work together every day to make a humongous impact. Some of those things are all around us: No matter where you live, insects and natural processes are constantly creating and sustaining life.
In this series of at-home activities, kids will get an up-close look at a few of the creatures and natural processes that keep the world going. By the end of each activity, they will have newfound knowledge as well as a fun craft to take their understanding of the world to the next level.
Brought to you by Colorado State University Extension and USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Special thanks to Patrick Pulis, Program Associate, and Wade Ingle, Principal Investigator of 4-H/Colorado State University Extension and The West Greeley Conservation District for making this program possible.
Grades: Pre-K-5
Topic: STEM, Biology, Crafting, Gardening
Time: 20 minutes
Caterpillars
Caterpillars live a very fascinating life! They start their lives in an egg and end as a moth or butterfly. In this craft activity, kids create their own caterpillar using an egg carton and learn about the insect’s life journey.
Grades: Pre-K-2
Topic: STEM, Biology, Crafting
Estimated Time: 20 minutes
Ladybugs
Ladybugs are beautiful insects that help the environment in many ways. In this activity, kids will learn how this infamous insect plays a role in protecting plants, while creating their very own ladybug out of paper plates.
Grades: Pre-K-2
Topic: STEM, Biology, Crafting
Estimated Time: 20 minutes
Garden in a Glove
Earth’s natural resources make a big difference for all creatures and environments. In this activity, kids will explore conversation by creating their very own garden – in a glove! By the end, they will understand the importance of conservation and how beautiful and resilient nature can be.
Grades: Pre-K-5
Topic: STEM, Biology, Gardening
Estimated Time: 20 minutes, 5 minutes per day afterward
Related Activities
If you enjoyed these activities, you can find more STEM activities on 4-H at Home.
Shop 4-H Curriculum and Products
Shop 4-H offers university-backed STEM curriculum, educational kits, products and supplies to expand your knowledge of butterflies, insects and more.
Butterfly Bingo
This bingo game comes with pieces for 2-6 players and makes learning about butterflies fun! Each card has facts about butterflies and their relatives. The first person to cover the selected pattern and yell "caterpillar" wins!
$16.99
Butterfly Curriculum Youth Digital Download
Youth learn to identify the butterfly families and common butterflies.
Each purchase provides 1 access code. All access codes will be emailed within one business day after processing.
$5.00
Butterfly Curriculum Leader Digital Download
Find facilitator tips, activity guides, and additional resources for the Project Butterfly WINGS curriculum.
Each purchase provides 1 access code. All access codes will be emailed within one business day after processing.
$5.00
Monarchs on the Move Challenge Kit
Youth learn about the life cycle of monarch butterflies and understand the challenges that impact their declining population including habitat loss, extreme weather, and pest management.
$29.95
All About Insects Bundle
Grades: Pre-K-3
Includes three activities and an insect collecting jar. Youth learn the basics of insects and search for insect clues and insects.
$7.95
Teaming With Insects Curriculum
Grades: 3-12
Introduce kids to the world of insects through activities that expand on the basic concepts of biodiversity, invasive species, integrated pest management, and forensic entomology.
$26.95
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No endorsement of these supporters' products or services is granted or implied by 4‑H. This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, AFRI - Education and Workforce Development project 2021-67037-33376.
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