I teach gifted elementary students. I think of my classroom door as a revolving one because students from grades 2-6 come in and go out all day long. Two weeks ago I brought in some Gulf fritillary caterpillars in a butterfly net. I placed them on the table and invited my students to ask questions.
Students gathered around the table and drew what they saw, asking question after question. They became enthusiastic yet frustrated that I would not give them a straight answer. They practiced using Google to research and answer their questions.
This week the caterpillars eclosed (hatched) and once again we observed and drew pictures then released the butterfly.
Gulf
vine
flowers
butterfly
a fritillary
flying through the beautiful sky
I don’t always have nature at my fingertips to lead inquiry with my classes. This was a wonderful way to introduce the idea that asking questions and wondering are all part of the process of learning. And releasing was just pure Joy!
Reflections on the Teche 
Love the emphasis on questions and wonder–that’s what I wish all kids would find in their classrooms.
What an adventure for all your students, obvious in their observations and creations. You mentioned the Write Out last week in a comment. It is my favorite activity with students. I bet you use it to its best advantage!
This year we are gathering all the gifted kids to do a day of write out in our city park. It’s going to be fun!
I love that the kids had the time and the space to wonder, ask questions and seek out answers. Your classroom is such a rich, nurturing environment–for butterflies and children!