|
Raising Monarchs at Bridges PCS
In 2025 we've raised 64 monarchs with the help of all of the milkweed planted in the garden. On Halloween day one of our final caterpillar’s let us know it was beginning metamorphosis by hanging upside down in the shape of a J. Inspired by 'panda cam', our 'cat cam' recordings from that night capture the moments of the monarch "changing costumes" by shedding its exoskeleton and transforming into a chrysalis. Two weeks later we know metamorphosis is almost complete because the chrysalis shell turns transparent before the butterfly emerges and expands its wings with fluid stored in the abdomen. We theatrically reenacted the life cycle of a monarch (including feet up "caterpillar crunches") and "pushing through" to emerge - try giving the monarch words of encouragement and affirmation as it goes through a big life change, we know those are never easy!
-Alden Towler
Life Science Teacher and Garden Coordinator at Bridges Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.
Watch the Monarch Metamorphosis Livestream and find more pictures and resources here.
| 
