Cherokee County 4-H usually works with Cherokee County Schools 2nd grades to do 4-H embryology right after spring break.  With the rise of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, we could not do our normal embryology program.  So we have introduced the 4-H curriculum Winged Wonders and will be hatching butterflies in the second grade at Murphy and Andrews Elementary.

We have 4 classrooms at Murphy Elementary and 3 classrooms at Andrews Elementary that received their painted lady butterfly larva on Monday, April 25.  The 2nd grade classrooms participating at Andrews Elementary are: Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Hogsed, and Mrs. Forchetti.  The 2nd grade classrooms participating at Murphy Elementary are:  Mrs. Hickey, Ms. London, Mrs. O'Hara, and Mrs. Garrett.

The students are learning about life cycles and are excited to be hatching butterflies although they were sad about not hatching chicks. The students are observing the larva and can't wait to transfer the chrysalis' to the butterfly habitat. Each classroom received: 5 live painted lady caterpillars and food, butter fly habitat, easy-to-follow instructions, fun activities for elementary-aged students, and a 24 x 24" poster.

Cherokee County 4-H Agent, Shannon Coleman, visited with each classroom on Monday, April 25 to deliver their larva and introduce the 4-H Winged Wonders curriculum.  Once the larva form their chrysalis' they will be transferred to the butterfly habitat where we will wait for the emergence of the Painted Lady Butterflies.