Text Set 1

My first unit of study is Life Cycles. I chose this topic because science and social studies are integrated into our first grade curriculum. This text set includes multiple literacies to engage the students in an early elementary classroom while easily teaching the Common Core standards. 

     Books

Butterflies by Seymour Simon

Age Range: 6-10 years
A 2012 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students; We learn about the wonder of the 3,000 mile migration of monarchs, even though they have never made the journey before.  We also learn the difference between butterflies and moths, life cycle stages, body structure and interesting species.  Spectacular photos!

Insect Detective by Steve Voake

Age Range: 4-8 years
A great introduction to spark interest in insect study, this book encourages kids to explore the outdoors near their homes.  A few interesting facts are given about a variety of insects including dragonflies, bees, earwigs, ground beetles as well as hints about where to find them.

Insects by Barbara Taylor

Age Range: 5-8 years

Discover the creatures that creep, crawl, fly and scuttle around us by using the fun and easy projects that are included in the book.

Frogs by Gail Gibbons

Age Range: 5 and up

The life cycle of this popular amphibian is described in detail, beginning with the eggs or spawn through tadpole to adulthood. Clear, full-color illustrations present their anatomy, daily activities, and the different types of frogs.

Media

Classify This! - Interactive Game

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/explorations/bug/level1/interactive.htm

Label the Frog - Interactive Game

http://www.neok12.com/diagram/Metamorphosis-01.htm

Tadpoles - Jigsaw Puzzle

http://www.neok12.com/jigsaw-puzzle/Metamorphosis-02.htm

Life as a Bug - Informative web site

http://museumvictoria.com.au/bugs/life/cycles.aspx

Life of a Monarch Butterfly - Time lapse video

http://www.neok12.com/video/Metamorphosis/zX5e6d74677163757b450e45.htm

Life Cycle of HoneyBees - Video

http://www.neok12.com/video/Metamorphosis/zX416b5d6a524409536f5251.htm

Other Resources

Life Cycle Models- Students will be able to study the steps in the life cycle of a green frog, green bean plant, sea turtle, honey bee, and butterfly with these realistic plastic models.

Really Good Stuff item #161269 $49.95

Life Cyclers Manipulatives- Each of these three manipulatives cycle through the various stages of life for a butterfly, frog, and bean plant.

Really Good Stuff item # 160518 $14.99

Life Cyle Sequence Kit- Our kit highlights the life cycles of a butterfly, a chicken & a frog—with 5 realistic manipulatives for each animal. Each manipulative shows a different stage in the animal’s life cycle—from egg to adult—so children can put them in sequential order or compare one animal’s life cycle to another!

Lakeshore Learning item #GR700 $29.99

Life Cycle Specimen Set- Our durable, easy view specimens provide a fascinating look at life cycles! The set includes 4 specimens encased in rugged, lightweight acrylic…with the name of each specimen printed right on it for easy identification. You get an adult moth, plus eggs, a silkworm and a cocoon.

Lakeshore Learning item #TT912 $44.50

Read About Science Learning Center- Our science center includes a paperback book, 4 information cards with reproducible activities on back, plus lots of hands-on materials to complete the activities—including life cycle wheels, sequencing stamps, photo cards and more.

Lakeshore Learning item #HH267 $29.99