The Shape of Wings

Grade Level: First Grade, Life Sciences

Overview: Students will learn about the Monarch Butterfly and their amazing wings. This species uses its wings to not only travel but as well as protect itself from predators. The bright orange and district black shapes on the wings are to warn predators not to “eat me”. These wings are actually poisonous to digest and even though they have a beautiful appearance, is a physical attribute to warn others. The most important key role of these wings are the natural engineering design for the ability to travel far. Given the ability to fly thousands of miles to migrate, the Monarch’s large and flexible wings give them a burst of propulsion. Students will learn how research scientists have discovered that these wings "clap" together, squeezing out the air between with such force that it thrusts them forward. Students will gain knowledge of these wings and create their own Monarch butterfly model. Students will design wings using shapes and color. Then students will take their designed wings and taped them onto a balloon. Students will model the “clapping” motion by pushing down on the top center of the balloon, between the wings. Students will observe their designed wings “clapping” back and forth, similar to the Monarch when flying. Finally, students will learn that humans have studied structures of animals to mimic similar movement in many man-made inventions such as cars, airplanes, and boats.