Bethpage students become butterfly experts

Bethpage third graders from Kramer Lane Elementary School kicked off the beginning of their butterfly unit with naturalists from Nassau BOCES on May 8. The butterfly program, which was led by naturalists Bette Bass and Karel Banks, helped the students learn about the different parts of moths and butterflies, the lifecycle of a butterfly, butterfly migration and more.

Through educational resources such as large pictures, puppets, goggles and fun butterfly and moth costumes, the students were able to better understand these insects. At the conclusion of the visit, the third graders learned a new song to the tune “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” called “Head, Thorax, Abdomen.” This helped them memorize the parts of a butterfly. They then went outside for a fun game which taught them the differences between a safe and unsafe environment for butterflies.

Each third grade class will soon be able to watch a butterfly come to life as they will be receiving painted lady butterflies to observe and study in their classrooms.

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