Lesson Plan: 6th-8th Grade Project (The migration of the Monarch Butterfly)

The Monarch Butterfly is an important symbol to many  cultures.  It was a sacred symbol for many indigenous cultures of pre-columbian Mexico. In Teotihuacan, c. 200AD–900AD, stamps, headdresses, nose rings, frescos, and ceramics were adorned with imagery of butterflies.. According to some sources, a Monarch butterfly in particular is a sign that you are on the right path to achieve your goals.   Mexico has a very special relationship with Monarch butterflies. Millions of butterflies take flight to central Mexico as part of their yearly migration and arrive during Day of the Dead.  (October 31-November 2nd). In Denver Colorado the Denver Botanical Gardens hosts a month-long attraction in their gardens for people to see the butterflies on their way down to Mexico for the winter.  However,  climate change now threatens the Butterfly and due to the effect of many of the plants on which it depends on during its long journey both north and south.  This project will explore how climate change is affecting the Monarch Butterfly and it’s natural habitat.