Butterflies (lower primary) – unit plan

This unit plan is designed for students in years 1-5.

When someone mentions the word butterfly, what image pops into your head? Chances are it’s the monarch or the white butterfly, as these are our most visible butterflies.

Almost all of the butterflies in New Zealand are native and most are endemic. Compared to big, colourful species from other countries, our native butterflies are small and secretive.

Rights: Jérôme Albre

Rauparaha’s copper

The Rauparaha’s copper (Lycaena rauparaha) is said to be named after the famous warrior as its more heavily populated habitats are found along the coastal strip from Taranaki to Wellington where Te Rauparaha was most active.

Our butterfly resources explores our native and introduced butterfly species. It highlights the science behind butterfly life cycles, how moths and butterflies differ and how butterflies defend themselves. Students learn how to become citizen scientists and engage in interesting and authentic research.

NOTE: the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust's tagging project will begin again in 2025.

The learning outcomes of this teacher resource are that students will:

• learn about native and introduced butterflies, their habits and their life cycles
• learn how tagging helps scientists learn more about monarch over-wintering habits
• learn how to tag monarchs and register the details with the Monarch Butterfly New Zealand Trust.

Students will meet these learning objectives by:

• using the monarch butterfly life cycle interactive to extend both their understanding of the life cycle process and to learn specific scientific vocabulary
• viewing a slideshow presentation on native butterflies to become familiar with their identification, location and habitats
• investigating how butterfly size, habitat and larval food sources affect which butterflies we see in our own locality
• investigating monarch migration and over-wintering habits in New Zealand
• tagging monarchs for research.

Download the unit plan.