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Second Grade Studies Metamorphosis

by Cindy Goff

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Students in second grade have watched the process of metamorphosis right before their eyes during our insect unit.  They saw a mealworm that was stored inside their desk change form two times during its life cycle.  It changed from a larva, to a pupa, and finally the adult insect (a darkling beetle).  There was a lot of excitement each morning when a student saw a new form in their container! 

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            Now they are watching eight African water frog tadpoles during our frog and toad unit.  Each tadpole will metamorphose into a real frog.  The students have been noticing changes in the appearance of their bodies when they arrive at school each day.  They are patiently waiting for the back legs to appear and then the front legs.  Gradually they will see the tail become part of the frog’s body as it disappears.