It’s spring time (apparently!) and this is the time of year we start seeing those little wiggly caterpillars all over the place. I recently connected with Producer/Distributor SK Films, who have produced what looks to be an epic film following the migration of one amazing butterfly- the Monarch. Now playing at many Giant Screen and IMAX theatres worldwide, this film follows the travels of the monarch butterfly in one of the largest insect migrations on Earth, from Mexico to Canada. Here’s a brief synopsis about the film:
“Based on the amazing real-life story of Dr Fred Urquhart, Flight Of The Butterflies takes viewers through the life-cycle of the monarch butterfly, and charts their incredible annual 4,000 km migration to their secret over-wintering sanctuary in Mexico. Utilizing the latest IMAX® technology, CT scans and ultrasound imaging, the film presents never-before-seen footage, from inside a chrysalis, to forests covered with millions of hibernating monarchs. Flight Of The Butterflies is a story of incredible perseverance, both of the monarchs who overcome impossible odds to survive, and the researchers and ”citizen scientists” who have worked tirelessly to unravel their mysteries.”
If you are studying butterflies this spring, I think this video could be an amazing place to start or to grow on your lesson. The website is chock full of amazing resources – from information on monarchs and the scientists who studied them, as well as a whole section devoted to learning tools.
Here you will find instructions on how to grow your own butterfly garden and be a citizen scientist, plus complete lesson plans and activities broken down into different grade levels that include crafts, games, observation activities, problem solving, and much more (also available in Spanish).
Plus, join in their Facebook page for interactive conversations and photo sharing.
Canadian venues currently playing (or will be playing) Flight of the Butterflies: (At the time of this posting,)
