Climate Connections Making Sense of Seasonal Observations About this Feature Getting Started 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. Try One of These Studies: Observe the Seasons in your backyard or schoolyard. >> Plant a Journey North Garden. >> Follow one type of plant year after year and see how climatic factors influence the wave of spring. Share your observations of the natural world! Add your stories to the maps: Signs of Fall or Signs of Spring Weathering Change!? Plants and animals can handle natural variations in weather from season to season and year to year. But long-term average weather patterns (climate) are changing faster than ever before . . . and faster than many species can respond. How will this affect the health and survival of living things and their habitats? Scientists are just beginning to explore these questions! Observe Seasonal Changes (phenology) Plant a Journey North Garden Analyze Your Own Historic Journey North Data Monitor Weather, Climate, and Journey North Explore Weather and Climate Maps Read About Our Changing Climate   This Season Teachers Kids Orientation Registration Search Copyright 1997-2009 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Contact us.