Incursions

The incursion content can be used to meet Victorian and Australian Curriculum for Science, Literacy, and the Arts at levels 2, 3 and 4.

The incursion content is perfect for STEAM/STEM specialist programs.

Incursions run for approximately 70 minutes. Please allow 15 minutes at the start and end of each session for set up and pack down. All materials needed for craft and writing activities will be provided. Each incursion will include the sections listed below:

  • Once you have reserved your visit date/s, you will receive a signed hardcopy edition of ‘The Butterfly and the Ants’. This will be posted to the name and address on your booking form.

  • I will read ‘The Butterfly and the Ants’ with your class, and answer any questions students have about the story.

  • Students will divide into groups and have time to investigate at five different activity stations.

    These include:

    • Making a picture book

    At this station students will examine excerpts and illustrations from original drafts of ‘The Butterfly and the Ants’. They will be challenged to identify changes and explain why they think these were made.

    • Butterfly or moth?

    Students will investigate the differences between butterflies and moths, and have the chance to apply their new knowledge and decide whether unidentified specimens are butterflies or moths.

    • Macro-micro.

    Students will examine microscopic images of butterfly anatomy, as well as use magnifying glasses to examine chrysalises, cocoons, butterflies and moths.

    • Sensational symmetry

    Students will investigate the symmetry of butterflies and moths, not just looking at the wing patterns but also how being symmetrical is so important for flight!

    • Amazing ants

    We wouldn’t have many of our planet’s butterflies without ants! Students will explore the different ways that ants help butterflies survive, and why ants are simply amazing too!

  • Students will decorate and build their own butterfly or moth puppet, then use their imagination to decide on both a common and scientific name for it, as well as create a fact sheet.

  • Students will come back together as a class and reflect and share what they have learnt, as well as any final questions.

    Finally, your class will receive a full colour A3 poster of the moths of Geelong and the Bellarine, as well as information on citizen science activities they can take part in both at school and at home.