Here is a “Baggie Butterfly” art project to complement an insect unit

Title – Baggie Butterfly
By – F. Brockman
Primary Subject – Art
Secondary Subject – Science
Grade Level – K-2

Concept:

Here is an art project to go with an insect unit.

Materials:

• sandwich-sized bags – use ones that zip closes (not the fold-under ones)
• colored tissue paper
• pipe cleaners

Anticipatory Set:

Following a lesson on butterflies, reading

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

, or a study of insects, students create a butterfly to use in retelling the story or facts they have learned.

Procedure:

• Students tear a variety of colored tissue paper into small pieces (approximately 1-inch squares) until they have filled the Baggie with these torn tissue pieces.
• Zip or close sandwich bag squeezing out the air.
• Next, fold pipe cleaner in half around the middle of the bag.
• Fan out sides of bag to make the butterfly wings.
• The remaining pipe cleaner serves as the antennae – just curl ends for that effect.

Extensions:

• Students can use a variety of items to fill the baggie such as colored cereal, colored candy pieces like Lifesavers or M&M;’s.
• After using the butterfly as a story prop, students can enjoy a little snack! Yummy!

E-Mail F. Brockman !