Exploring Structures: Butterfly

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In this activity, learners investigate how some butterfly wings get their color. Learners compare Buttercup and Blue Morpho butterflies and discover what happens when they shine light at each of them. Learners discover that some wings get their color from the nanoscale structures on the wings instead of pigments.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
      • Nanotechnology
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Biodiversity
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
    • Light and Optics
      • Electromagnetic Spectrum
      • Sunlight and Color

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

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Access Rights:

  • Free access

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