The Butterfly farm: raising butterflies at school

Abstract

The Butterfly Farm: raising butterflies at school project, carried out in 2023 and 2024 by 1st and 2nd grade students at Escola Classe 403 Norte, reproduced in the classroom the natural environment where the life cycle of butterflies occurs. The project arose from the observation of the class's vegetable garden, where caterpillars were found that devoured the vegetable leaves. In order to learn about the life cycle of butterflies, a butterfly farm was set up with simple materials for daily observation. In the two years in which the project was carried out, the experience was successful, and it was possible to see the complete life cycle of the cabbage butterfly (Ascia monuste orseis). Based on the knowledge acquired, we decided to expand the investigation to include butterflies present in the Cerrado biome and participate in the 13th Science Circuit of Public Schools of the Federal District.