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When,
Where and How to Watch Fall Migration
(Teacher Guide #3 of Fall
Monarch Migration: A Guided Tour for Teachers)
Summary
What kind of observations does Journey North collect in the fall, and how are they
important? These questions are introduced and explored in this slideshow. This guide includes:
- Data Hunt Challenge: students read and analyze sample observation reports.
- Ask the Observer: students add details to "missing information" reports.
- My Practice Report: students submit sample sightings to live map.
Lesson Goals
- Learn
three ways to observe fall monarch migration: 1) watch for directional
flight of monarchs flying high overhead, 2) count nectaring monarchs,
and 3) find monarchs resting at an overnight roost.
- Learn how to write scientifically-helpful monarch reports and submit them on the Journey North website.
Lesson
Objectives
After reading When, Where and How to Watch Fall Migration
students will:
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Describe three ways to watch fall monarch migration: 1) watch for directional flight of monarchs flying high overhead, 2) count nectaring monarchs, and 3) find monarchs resting at an overnight roost.
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Read and analyze real monarch observations to identify scientifically-helpful information.
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Calculate "migration rates" (monarchs per hour or monarchs per minute) using authentic monarch migration observations.
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List essential elements in a scientifically-valuable sighting report: date and location of sighting, quantity of monarchs observed, time and duration of observation period; descriptive details about observed behaviors of monarchs.
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Write a detailed observation report that would be helpful to scientists learning about fall monarch migration.
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Use Internet technology to submit a "Practice Report" on the Journey North website.
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Use key words and concepts related to fall monarch migration.
Experience the text first as a reader and then as an instructor. Capture your thoughts as you read through the booklet/slideshow text (observations, questions, discoveries, vocabulary, possible teaching applications, etc.) Plan to share your thinking process with students to model effective reading strategies.
1. Write these focus questions on chart paper:
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What do monarch butterflies look like when they migrate?
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Where can we look to see them in the fall?
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When does the migration to Mexico take place?
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How do people watch for migration?
2. Invite students to think about each question and make predictions based on prior knowledge and experience.
- Determine how you will have students experience the text for a first reading: whole class, small group, partner, or individual. Encourage students to take notes or mark up the text--underlining key ideas and making notes in the margins.
| 1. Revisit the Questions | |||||
Read aloud the pre-reading questions one at a time. Call on volunteer students to briefly answer each question using main-idea facts from the text.
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| 2. Data Hunt Challenge: Observation Report Cards | |||||
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Overview Activity
Have students read and explore the reports for a minute or two and then introduce the Data Hunt Challenge:
Give each group the Data Hunt Guide Sheet. Like a scavenger hunt, students are challenged to find specific data in the observation reports. Have them make tally marks right on the cards when they find the data in each observer's comments. You may even have them underline the data they find.
Feature these winning reports on a bulletin board. Encourage students to revisit these winning reports when they are writing their own observation reports. |
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| 3. Ask the Observer: Brainstorming Questions for Details | |||||
Have students identify Observation Report Cards that need more details. With a partner, have them brainstorm questions they would ask the observers. Give them sample questions to get them started:
After students have a generous list of questions, have them imagine themselves as the observers. What possible responses could be given for each question? Challenge each pair of students to transform a "missing information" Observation Report Card into a "winning report" by adding scientifically-useful details. Invite volunteer students to read their before and after observation reports to the class. Summarize this activity by stressing the importance of details in observation reports. |
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| 4. Wrap Up: My "Practice Report" | |||||
Have students mock-up a well-written "practice report" based on what they have learned. Show them how to report a sighting to Journey North and find it on the live "Practice Report" map.
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