Teaching and Learning-Science has collaborated with the UW Entomology Department and Dr. Walt Goodman for many years to provide second graders with Manduca larvae.

As part of the MMSD second grade science program, students study the life cycle, basic needs and behavior/responses of the Tobacco Hornworm. Students also have the opportunity to observe how environmental factors affect the growth and responses of the larva.

In Madison schools, classes study four different kinds of insects throughout second grade to compare similarities and differences among insects.

A complete listing of the district standards is available by clicking here and going to page 13.

These are pictures of second graders in Katie Mahr's class at Van Hise School.

Here are some quotes from the students:

• "Manduca rock!"
• "Check out their amazing colors! They are like ocean water when it is in the shallow end."
• "Can you believe how much they have grown! To think about that tiny egg that started it all!"

Check out more information about the Manduca Larvae at: http://manduca.entomology.wisc.edu/