Understanding Change
Though Metamorphosis
Iris Ponte
CD171
Curriculum Goals
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The basic goal of this
curricular activity is to
help 3-year-old children
understand the concept of
metamorphosis
This lesson is also geared
to expose children to the
complicated concept of
change
Materials Needed
1 Lego Mindstorm Kit
1 Cocoon Puppet *
1 Caterpillar Puppet *
1 Butter Fly Puppet *
Masking Tape
Construction Paper
Precut: Leaves with holes, Branches,
and Clouds
3 pieces of white construction paper
Glue Sticks (for the whole class)
Blue Markers
Process/Method
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Step 1: First with the class reread
The Hungary Caterpillar, by Eric
Carle.
Step 2: Divide the class into three
groups.
Step 3: Explain to each group that
they will be creating the environment
for one part of the caterpillars’ life.
Step 4: After all three environments
have been completed, hang the
finished work on the wall and use the
puppets to reenact the process of
metamorphosis.
Method/Process (cont.)
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Step 5: Explain to the class that they will all have a chance to help the
caterpillar go through his/her changes in groups of three with the programmed
lego heart.
Step 6: Tape the three environments down flat on a long table. Place the
corresponding puppet on the environment.
Step 7: Take the children in groups of three during a free play portion of the
day so the other children are busy.
Step 8: Explain to the children that the Lego heart will move across the table
and when it reaches their environment it will be their turn to put their
designated puppet on the “heart” of the caterpillar.
Step 9: Allow the children to have fun with it. Have the children watch the
process a few times and change places at the table.
Step 10: Repeat steps 7-9 until all of the children have had a turn at the table.
Standards
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According to the curriculum
framework of Massachusetts
between PreK- 2 children are to
study life cycles as well as
recognize changes in animals
and plants (Mass Frameworks,
28).
Children at a young age should
also gain skills of inquiry (Mass
Frameworks, Science and
Technology, 2).
Adaptations
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If the class is older consider allowing the children
to create the pieces of the environment, with paper
and scissors. You may also want the children to
create the moveable Lego car to become the heart
of the caterpillar.
 If the class is even more advanced allow them to
work in groups to design the puppets! This
project is very adaptable for different age groups!
Assessment and
Documentation
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Interview Questions
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Recorded
Conversations
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Digital Video
Ideas for Other Activities
Involving Change
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Leaves of Change
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Jell-O Project
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Play Dough Sculpture
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Growth Chart
The Classroom Experience
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The next series of slides are a visual
demonstration of the project in practice.
 It should be noted that the project took 2
days and only the children interested were
involved.
Preparation
More Preparation…
Let the fun begin!
Here we go!
Implementation Adjustments
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The first round of puppets were recycled and a new set have been
made. The “new and improved puppets” fit over the whole Lego heart
and are easy to add on and remove. The Lego heart itself now has a
cloth cover to conceal the “car” look and hopefully will help the
children see the image of the caterpillar, cocoon and butterfly.
Also I have adjusted the design of the pre test and post test.
Rather than give each child a sheet of paper I have designed some
picture flash cards that clearly show the stages of metamorphosis. I
will present this to the group of children, and record individual
children’s responses both before and after the project. I think that this
method will be less stressful.
Evaluation of Project
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Under Construction