The Annual Cycle of the Monarch Butterfly Annual Cycle slideshow/animation Science Inquiry Skills: Questioning As a class, review the slideshow of the monarch's annual cycle (and/or view the animation). Get familiar with the classic story, “as told.” As you track migration this year, watch for exceptions to the rule. Try to find real-life examples as evidence that this story is over-simplified. Watch for observations that don’t make sense. Ask questions! You are sure to find examples that don’t fit conventional wisdom. (For example, some monarchs don't migrate to Mexico at all; in fall some breed/lay eggs in the southern United States and a new generation might migrate.) Scientists expand their understanding as they gain new information and make unexpected observations. Life Cycle slideshow Critical Thinking: Annual Cycle vs. Life Cycle Ask students, What is the difference between the monarch's life cycle and its annual cycle? (The life cycle refers to the cycle of one generation, from egg to adult. The annual cycle takes place within one full year. There are several monarch generations/life cycles in a single year.) Students might find migration confusing if they don't understand this key difference.

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