Susan Wheelright

Journey North's 3rd Annual
Internet Ice-Out Contest for Walden Pond

When do you think the ice will melt on Walden Pond this spring? Famous naturalist Henry David Thoreau kept ice-out records in the mid-1800's and recorded them in his celebrated book, Walden. You're invited to place your guess any time before the first day of spring!

How to Enter:

1. Find the ice-out records Thoreau kept for Walden Pond in the mid-1800's. (Hint: Check out the chapter he wrote about spring in his best-known book.)

2. Calculate the average date the ice melted over the years he kept records.

3. Next, find out if this winter is colder or warmer than an average Massachusetts winter. Pay attention to the temperatures in Massachusetts over the next few weeks. Read the Fayerweather Street School students' reports for clues!

4. Finally, place your guess by responding to Journey North Ice-Out Challenge Question # 1

1. Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-ice@learner.org
2. In the Subject Line of your message write: Challenge Question # 1
3. In the body of the message, give your answer to this question:

   Challenge Question # 1
   "When do you think ice-out will occur this year on Walden Pond?"
   Please give an exact date, rather than a range of dates.

Don't Forget!

• The deadline is March 20th, the first day of spring!
• Please include the name of your school and your location so we can credit you properly for your answers.