Investigative Process: Metamorphosis of a Luna

Moth

McInnis 5th and 6th grade science

2014

Over the summer…Mrs. McInnis nurtured several baby caterpillars which grew and grew

and grew into beautiful Luna Moths. Over the summer, the caterpillars went through 5 instar stages. A cage was built in order to enclose the

beautiful caterpillars. It was transferred to Mrs. McInnis’s classroom just in time for the students to arrive and begin studying the 4 that matured

and wove beautiful cocoons….

Scientific Method: State the Problem• Are the Luna Moth Eggs Fertilized or Unfertilized?• Luna Moth cocoons entered the classroom August 11, 2014• August 12, 2014, Luna Moths emerged from the cocoons.• 1 female and 3 males. Students identified the males because of the

antenna shape and size. Male moths have larger feather-like antenna in order to sense the pheromones released by females up to 1 mile away.• Female laid 350-400 eggs August 20, 2014.

Research the Topic: ObservationUsing the microscope, students were able to view the insides of the eggs for more intense observation. Students formed hypotheses about the eggs’ fertility. Students observed the eggs in a controlled environment. Same size Tupperware containers were used, closed containers opened every day or so.Students observed for 18 days. Students came to a conclusion about the Luna Moths.

Collecting Results, Drawing Conclusions• Students completed their Scientific Method by concluding the eggs

were unfertilized based on the data that no eggs hatched within the 18 day period.• And then….

New Experiment!...Fertilized eggs came in the mail!• Eggs arrive Friday night, September 19, 2014. Several caterpillars had already

hatched!• Monday Morning students placed the caterpillars in Tupperware containers with

Sweet Gum leaves and placed holes in the tops with paper towels covering the lids.• Eggs were placed in another container without leaves.• They munch and munch and the process continues….• Students learn much about the life cycle, metamorphosis of a moth, the scientific

process. They also learned that their hypothesis my turn out to be incorrect.• Scientists repeat their experiments and observations over and over in order to

learn more about the environment we live in.