Monarchs are an iconic insect because they are large and easily recognized by their distinct bright orange and black coloration and are well known to many people across North America and around the world. Monarch butterflies have been widely used in classrooms by educators to demonstrate insect life cycles and metamorphosis.

This collaborative, hands-on challenge will help youth:

• Learn about the unique life cycle of butterflies
• Learn why the monarch butterfly is a flagship species representing many pollinators that contribute to our food supply and the health of our planet.
• Understand the challenges that impact the monarch butterfly's declining population including habitat loss, extreme weather, and pest management
• Explore ways to increase monarch habitat, its importance, and ways everyone can participate
• Understand the collaborative effort required to increase monarch population. Enhancing monarch butterfly reproduction and survival will require a collaborative and coordinated effort from farmers, government, private citizens and businesses

Are you interested in learning more about the curriculum, straight from the author and a 4-H educator? Watch a webinar all about the curriculum, available here.

Kit Contents

Please Note: This Kit is made up of physical products and digital downloads. 

Physical Items

• 1 - Facilitator Guide
• 8 - Milkweed Leaves Sheets (four fronts, four backs)
• 1 - Set of Land Management Practice Cards

Digital Downloads

These items you need to access and download as-needed. You will not receive a physical copy of these items:

• Milkweed Leaves Sheets
• Satellite Images
• Graph Measurement Sheet 
• Circular Factor Labels/Sticker Template
• Storyboard Presentation
• Additional Materials List