I wonder how the Manduca life cycle compares to the human life cycle...

Lesson Overview:

This lesson looks at life cycles. Students will construct their own versions of the human life cycle and place themselves at some point along it. They will provide explanations for the cycle they create and the point they place themselves at.

Objectives:

1. define a life cycle
2. create their own interpretation of the human life cycle
3. provide rationale for their choices
4. compare and contrast classmates life cycles
5. compare the human life cycle to the Manduca life cycle

Subject Area Focus: science & art

Materials:

• journals
• paper
• computer with internet access, All About Manduca Tab - life cycle
• markers, crayons, colored pencils, modeling clay, etc.
• any posters with animal life cycles on them would be useful

Procedure:

1. Students should make their daily observations in their observation journals.
2. In your observation journal, create a definition for the term "life cycle". Do not use a dictionary. Make your own definition.
3. Under your definition illustrate what you think the human life cycle is.
4. Students should be assured that they were not expected to get everything right. They were just showing what they know and think about the topic.
5. Students can use pens, pencils, markers or modeling clay to create the human life cycle.
6. Teacher should inform students who have compeleted their life cycle model that they should:
   - Circle the stage in the human life cycle where you are today.
   -Why did you place yourself where you did?
7. Students who finish faster than others can create life cycle models for any other type of animal: frog, fish, dog, butterfly, lion, hamster...
8. As a class students should have time to share their life cycle models. Students should look at each others work and discuss the similarities and differences that they find.
9. Teacher should describe the actual human life cycle:
   Egg --> Infancy --> Childhood -->Adolescence -->Adulthood -->Old Age
10. Teacher should ask after discussion has compeleted:
    -Would anyone in your family be at a different stage in the life cycle than you?
11. If possible, have students look at the All About Manduca Tab in the life cycle section. This section will help students see in words and images how the Manduca life cycle compares to the human life cycle.
12. Hang the life cycle models up in the classroom.