Class VI was full of transparent jars. Mrs. Rao, the Science teacher, had urged the class to collect butterfly eggs and watch them turn into caterpillars, pupas and then butterflies.
Zeenat had a beautiful multi-hued butterfly while most of the others had ordinary yellow or blue garden butterflies.
Soon all the pupas had turned into butterflies and most of them had been set free. But some students wanted to keep them for a few more days.
I dont think Zeenat will ever let her butterfly fly away; shes so proud of it,” Vineet commented.
Anju rolled her eyes. They had all had enough of Zeenats bragging about how her butterfly had been admired by everyone who visited the class.
Well watch for a few days. If she doesnt give the butterfly its freedom, well release it ourselves,” Vineet suggested.
No. No. Thats not right. But we could try tricking her into giving it to us,” Anju said with a twinkle.
How?” Vineet asked, doubtfully.
Give me a day. Ill think of something
Two days later, Anju was walking around with a jar labelled, ‘The Humming Butterfly. Inside were some leaves and a colourful butterfly.
Like everyone else, Zeenat was intrigued.
Ive never heard of a humming butterfly,” she said. I cant believe it actually hums
Anju smiled. You havent heard of a humming butterfly? Look,” and she tapped the cover of the jar. The butterfly shook a little and soft humming could be heard.
Wow!” Zeenat was amazed. She no longer seemed to think her butterfly was the greatest of them all.
Will you give it to me?”Zeenat asked. You can have mine if you like
Hmm… let me think about it,” Anju said with a haughty air, and walked away with her jar. Later, Anju agreed to Zeenats suggestion and the exchange was made.
Vineet and Anju giggled as they examined Zeenats colourful butterfly that was now theirs.
Wait till she discovers its a paper butterfly,” Vineet said.
Well, I only said it was a humming butterfly. I never said it was a real one,” Anju giggled. Im so glad my brothers humming toy worked. It is still in the jar and will hum when tapped.If Zeenat looks closely, shell discover that my butterfly even has a smiling face!”
The two laughed as they released Zeenats butterfly.
-Nisha Daniel
Teacher’s Corner
Organise a class ‘Science bonanza. Ask each student to conceptualise a science experiment or exhibit. The children should be able to give a scientific explanation for what they plan to exhibit.
Pick hands-on experiments that the visitors can attempt.
Fix a date and invite the rest of the school over, to witness a show like never before!
The class will have fun and learn a lot in a day.
