Year
after year, Journey North students carefully observe
and chart the timing of plant growth, animal migrations,
and other seasonal events that are affected by day
length and climate. They explore how living things
are adapted to their environments and interdependent
with other organisms.
Since
1994, Journey North has compiled seasonal observations
in a database and on real-time maps. As students look
at their own and others’ data collected over
the years, they notice patterns. Did robins or monarch
butterflies arrive early, late, or “on time”
in the last few years? Why might that have occurred?
Were spring temperatures higher than average, lower,
or about the same? How might these differences affect
the health or survival of individuals and species?
Journey
North students think like scientists who study our
changing climate and its impact on living things.
During every Journey North season, you will find authentic,
"real-time" opportunities to explore the
connections between climate, migrations, and other
natural phenomena. This Climate Connections
feature highlights a few studies and activities that
can help engage and prepare students for a deeper
understanding of the concepts.