The study of minibeasts came to life with a visit to the Istanbul Butterfly Farm for our grade three students today. After studying butterflies and coming up with a list of ‘burning questions’ the students got to see the life cycle of a butterfly first hand from leaves covered with eggs to a range of different sized pupa, furry caterpillars inching along and a bevy or colorful butterflies. The students got to walk amongst the butterflies in a hot house designed to mimic their natural environment. Several butterflies chose to perch on the students’ heads, shoulders and hands. It was great to get up so close to one of the world’s most popular and amazing minibeasts. Today’s experience reinforced the importance of preserving our natural world for our animal friends and us.