Week 3

In this weeks lab we learned of the life cycles of several living organisms. The lifecycle of a butterfly, for example, is egg, larva in the form of a caterpillar, chrysalis and adult butterfly. Using play-doh our group illustrated the life cycle of the butterfly with four stages and corresponding figures. 

We also learned that plants are another living organism that share a similar lifecycle across the various types. All plants start with a seed and germination through soil, water and light. The plants then develop stems, roots, leaves, flowers and eventually pollinate. One specific plant that we learned more about was the fast plant. The fast plant is designed to grow very quickly and can complete the entire life cycle process in less than 50 days. We planted our own fast plants in lab and hope to observe them grow throughout the semester. 

I can relate this information to what I had learned throughout the K-12 experience with the various life cycle activities that we took part in. I recall observing the life cycles of various plants and animals as early as the initial Elementary grades. I think these types of activities are very interesting and enjoyable for students, but can also be very meaningful. The life cycle concepts are more impactful if the students are able to see in real time the actual transformations through the various stages. I look back fondly on these experiences and hope that all elementary science students can have these opportunities. 

I could see myself applying these types of activities in my future teaching. I think the play-doh activity would be an extremely effective way for students to visualize their depth of understanding of the life cycle they choose. I also think trying to grow plants throughout the school year would be another hands-on activity that the students would really enjoy and make meaningful observations through.