Magnificent Metamorphosis: A Podcasting Lesson

Part A: Frontloading information about complete and incomplete metamorphosis. The teacher will read aloud informational texts about each and allow students to view informational videos about the stages.

Part B: The teacher will introduce live specimens for students to observe (incomplete: grasshopper; complete: butterfly or ladybug). The teacher (or students) will form cooperative groups and create podcasts documenting their observations of the specimens each day. The students in each group will be responsible for documenting their observations through podcasts, investigation notebooks, and through pictures/video using an iPad or camcorder. After all specimens have reached their adult form, the students will present their findings about the similarities/differences in the specimens.

At the end of the Metamorphosis unit of study, students will utilize the Pic Collage app. Each group will illustrate, label, and create captions for each stage within their specimens life cycle. Students will use their original photographs to identify the stages. Students' final products can then be added to the their digital portfolios.

Technology: iPad, stylus, Pic Collage app, Smartboard, reflector software, camcorder

Resources/Materials: Writing paper (anchor charts), writing tools, chart paper, and markers, non-fiction texts (Lifecycle of a Butterfly, Lifecycle of a Chicken, Lifecycle of a Frog, Butterfly, Ladybug, etc.).

Assessment: Students will be assessed using a 4-point rubric. To receive a score of a “4” students must:
Choose appropriate pictures that depict each stage in the lifecycle chosen. Arrange pictures in the correct sequence. Label each picture with the correct stage. Create a caption for each image that states at least one detail or fact about each stage below the picture.

Essential Question(s): What is complete metamorphosis? What is incomplete metamorphosis? What are examples of animals that go through metamorphosis? What are the stages of metamorphosis (complete and incomplete)? How are complete and incomplete metamorphosis alike/different?