Butterfly and Roots: Learning About Nature and Computers
Welcome to our journey of discovery! We'll learn how computers and nature work together.

by Colleen O'Rourke

What is a Computer System?
Parts Working Together
Just like a computer has parts like a keyboard, screen, and mouse that work together, nature has systems too!
Example: Tree Roots
Tree roots act like a network, moving water and nutrients throughout the tree.
The Butterfly Life Cycle

1

Egg
The butterfly starts as a tiny egg.

2

Caterpillar
The egg hatches, and a caterpillar emerges.

3

Chrysalis
The caterpillar forms a chrysalis, a protective shell.

4

Butterfly
The butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, ready to fly.
Tree Roots and Butterfly Systems

1

Roots
A network of roots connects the tree to the ground, just like wires connect parts of a computer.

2

Butterfly
Each stage of the butterfly life cycle depends on the previous stage, just like programs in a computer rely on each other.
Making Animations with Scratch Jr.
Tree Roots
Create a water droplet moving through the roots of a tree.
Butterfly Life Cycle
Show the stages of the butterfly's life cycle from egg to butterfly.
Exploring the Outdoors
1
Observe
Look for tree roots and signs of butterflies.
2
Take Pictures
Capture what you see with a camera or app.
3
Share
Tell others about what you've learned.
Technology Helps Us Learn

1

2

3

1

Technology
Computers and apps help us learn about nature.

2

Observation
We can see and explore nature more closely.

3

Understanding
We learn about how things work.
Keep Exploring!
Continue to explore nature, learn about computer systems, and share your discoveries with others!