ButterBike offers a variety of tools that are free, self-contained, and easy to integrate into existing classroom curriculum. By using adventure-linked education to connect students to content standards, we aim to make authentic learning experiences link classrooms to real-world science, adventure, and discovery. We are so excited for you to be part of our next Beyond A Book Project. 

"...what a difference you made in our kids education. Not too many people reach out to my students and they lack role models in scientific fields. I worry now that they will all grow up to be herpetologists!" -Ms. Gillespie, 7th and 8th grade science teacher

"My students loved meeting the scientists on the river and exploring with them on our nature walk. They took lots of notes from their observations, and it was amazing to have the background knowledge of the scientists to fuel their inquiry and observations... I honestly have not seen my entire class engaged for that long of a time period this year. It was amazing, and has shaped my ideas for future lessons with this group." -Ms. Kinkade, 4th grade teacher

"[They] handled a group of kindergartners so well with movement breaks and attention grabbers. The powerpoint definitely kept their attention too." -Mrs. Schuchard, Kindergarten

Our Beyond a Book projets strive to be both flexible and creative, to help individual teachers meet the needs of their classrooms. Sign-up or email us at beyondabook at gmail.com for more information and review the programming we offer below:

Butterfly Field Trip 

Let's go outside and explore! Students will use their observation skills to make discoveries and connections. Field trips can be anywhere. Whether it is a school yard, a walking field trip, or a bus ride to a local park, this is a great opportunity for kids to connect with nature, learn from scientists, and find some butterflies. So much of exploring is about training your eyes to discover even the smallest details of nature. 

Tagging Field Trip

Monarch Watch has organized a comprehensive program for students and citizens across the country to catch, tag, and track Monarchs from Canada and the northern United States. If ButterBike is visiting your school during this time, we can team up to catch butterflies and tag them. If the timing doesn't work, then you can organize a tagging project through Monarch Watch.  

Create A Butterfly Garden

The number one threat to Monarch Butterflies is habitat loss. By planting a butterfly garden at your school your students can become scientists, stewards, and leaders. By allowing students the opportunity to take ownership of the project they will be invested in the garden, the animals it supports,  the science that makes it happen, and their connection to the entire story of the Monarchs. 

Working with ButterBike and Monarch Watch, classrooms can start their own butterfly gardens at their school. Planting should be done in the Spring, which -depending on where you live- will be about the time the ButterBike team is departing from Mexico. By the time the team reaches your school, the garden should be flourishing and the Monarchs (and the cycling team) will be able to celebrate this outdoor learning laboratory.  

Classroom Presentation

Bring the amazing Monarch migration into you classroom. Using stories and photos we will cover the geography and diversity of the monarch migration, the biology of the butterflies, and the importance of challenging yourself and following your dreams.  Classroom visits are typically 50 minutes in length and can be adapted for classrooms or larger group assemblies. Classroom visits can be used in conjunction with river visits for a more robust connection to science, discovery, and adventure.

AND MORE...

We love ideas. Is there something we can do to add more meaning and excitement to your curriculum. Don't hesitate to ask.