1)
Predict: Which way will the monarchs travel in Mexico?
Begin by exploring a satellite image of Mexico. Notice
the geographic features. (See list below under #3.) Based on what
you've learned about migration across Canada and the United States,
do you have any clues about migration pathways in Mexico? What regions
might the butterflies cross —or avoid? Pay attention to the
map of migation pathways in Texas. What might this tell us about
where the monarchs will go as they enter Mexico?
2)
Geography and Migration: Read for Detail
Have
students read the
scientist's description of the supposed migration pathway. (These
Reading Strategies
may help students comprehend difficult text.) As they read, encouage
students to mark up the text:
- Underline
the names of the towns
- Circle
the names of the states
- List
the geographic features
- Star
sentences
that the describe how monarchs migrate
through the region (ways they benefit, eg. wind.)
Monarch biologist Dr. Calvert believes that Mexico's geography
funnels the migration. The monarchs travel along the specific
and narrow path that they do because of several important geographic
features (Gulf of Mexico, Sierra Madres Mountains).
3)
Make a Map
On a blank
map of Mexico find and label the geographic and political
features important to the migration:
- Gulf
of Mexico
- Pacific
Ocean
- Sierra
Madres Mountains
- U.S./Mexican
border
- Rio
Grande River
- Chihuahuan
desert (See resource
map)
- The
states the migration passes through:
- The
cities Dr. Calvert names (Monterrey, Mexico City, etc.)
3)
Reflect in Science Journals: Ask, If you could go to
Mexico to observe the migration, where on the map would you choose
to go? Why would this place be important?
4)
Inquiry Strategies: Ask, How Do We Know?
Remind students that Dr. Calvert's understanding about
the migration pathway is based on observations. Brainstorm: what
barriers might get in the way of collecting this information? To
start the discussion, point out how few reports are on the Journey
North map below the U.S. border. Make a list. (Language barriers;
lack of communication between scientists and people of different
countries; socioeconomic differences; desert, mountains, remoteness
of the region; the challenges of making and collecting ANY migration
observations.)
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