Next cohort opens summer 2025
This fall, Title 1 teachers, grades Pk-4th, located in San Antonio and surrounding areas, were invited to bring nature directly into their classrooms.
Classrooms experienced the magic of monarch metamorphosis and participated in a national citizen science project with this hands-on, nature-based program, supported by a digital curriculum.
This year’s teacher training was held at the beautiful Botanical Garden, providing an inspiring setting for educators to learn and engage.
Made possible by the generous support of Valero, The San Antonio Office of Sustainability, and HEB.
free CATERPILLAR CONDOS FOR title 1 classrooms.
Next cohort opens summer 2025
WHAT IS THE CATERPILLAR CONDOS FOR CLASSROOMS PROGRAM?
In this month-long program, students have the opportunity to connect to nature in their classroom as they observe the metamorphosis of a monarch butterfly.
Students are led by their guide, Birdie, in 4 video-lessons that are 1st-4th grade TEKS or Pk/Kinder-aligned, English or Spanish, and supported by a printable digital monarch journal with real-world applications and hands-on activities.
Topics include:
What is a Monarch? What is Metamorphosis? What is the Monarch Migration? (elementary) What is Citizen Science?
The Caterpillar Condo Program is designed for teachers to implement with limited planning (<1 hour/week) and without having to learn a new curriculum; Birdie does the teaching and teachers get to do the fun, hands-on activities!
What is the Teacher Training?
Participating teachers are invited to attend a teacher training at the Botanical Garden where they will participate in monarch and milkweed education from the Blooming with Birdie and Botanical Garden teams. They will also receive their condo, a t-shirt, and supporting classroom materials.
What is in a caterpillar condo?
A Caterpillar Condo includes:
pop-up mesh cage
milkweed plant--the host plant for a Monarch Butterfly
2- Monarch Caterpillars
tag for a citizen science activity
Who is eligible to apply?
Pre-K through 4th-grade Title 1 educators in San Antonio.
Yes, librarians, specials, and other educators who service Pre-K-4th grade students are eligible! There is a limited number of spots. Returning teachers will be prioritized and after those spots are filled, it will be a first come first serve basis.
What is the commitment for participating teachers?
Fill out the application.
Accepted teachers will attend the Teacher Training at the Botanical Garden to learn how to implement the program, tag a butterfly, and receive the caterpillar condo.
Complete a teacher post-survey and ensure that all participating students fill out the pre-test and post-test.
Care for the living plant and caterpillar. (Don’t worry, we’ll show you how!)
see the program in action
EDUCATOR approved
Tune in to a review of our anchor program Caterpillar Condos by 2-time caterpillar mom, Librarian Bonnie Cavazos.
What is the teacher training?
The teacher training is an immersive experience designed to deepen connections to our ecosystem and equip teachers with inspiring tools for their students. Held this year at the beautiful Botanical Gardens, participants engaged in monarch and milkweed education led by the Blooming with Birdie and Botanical Garden teams. Teachers enjoyed delicious food from Bakery Lorraine and left with a caterpillar condo, a t-shirt, and classroom support materials to bring the learning back to their students.
a huge thank you to our sponsors
