Our first chrysalis has transformed into a butterfly! Our calm rainy afternoon was pleasantly interrupted… Ms Serena, no more chrysalis! It’s a butterfly! Sure enough, a beautiful swallowtail butterfly hung from the top of the tank. Wings still damp, it did not attempt to flap about. WOW, so big. Look at the tails. It’s a swallowtail, age-hacho! Same as this picture! Another said in Japanese… miracle! We set it free in our schoolyard and managed to capture the moment of flight on camera!

Butterfly fever in was definitely in the air. Savanna was in for a treat. Someone brought to class a big tank of butterflies. Thank you! We were able to observe with our very own eyes a butterfly drinking with its proboscis or long mouthpiece.

We have also begun our review of the unit. We looked back on the weeks of learning. In July, we had some prior knowledge and shared WHAT I KNOW then about insects, bugs and minibeasts. This week, we looked at the IB Wall, referred to books and talked to one another. Indeed, our inquiries have been fruitful. I learned... names of minibeasts… head, thorax, abdomen.. life cycle… what bugs like to eat ladybugs eat aphids.. bees give us honey for honey toast! Excellent work, Savanna. We drew and wrote down WHAT I LEARNED.

This week’s highlight was most definitely a visit by the Fire Department. A bright red fire truck pulled into ISN driveway and Savanna gasped! It was a surprise, students were not told. The firefighters from Nagisa Fire Station reviewed emergency evacuation procedures. ISN staff were also shown how to use fire extinguishers.

Till next week, have an enjoyable long weekend!