How do monarch butterflies know where to migrate?
From Mystery Doug
8 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScience
Summary
Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "How do monarch butterflies know where to migrate?" -- and follows the clues. Monarchs find their way using the sun like a compass and built-in instincts, even across journeys longer than one butterfly's life. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.
Viewer safety
All ages
Common Sense Media — not yet ratedIMDb Parents Guide — not yet rated
Our rating is a quick teacher-to-teacher guide — preview before showing.
Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "How do monarch butterflies know where to migrate?"
- What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
- What surprised you most about monarch, or what did you already know?
- What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: monarch, migrate, instinct.
Try it: Explain the answer to "How do monarch butterflies know where to migrate?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.