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Spring
Fever
Testing
a Temperature Theory About Robin Migration
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Time:
1 period + occasional time over several weeks
Standards |
Background
An age-old
theory about robin migration says that robins arrive in an area when the
average temperature is 36 degree F. Is it accurate? Why not test the theory
yourselves?
Preparation
To test whether robins seem to travel with average temperatures of 36
degrees, first find out when robins generally return to your region each
spring. Begin the study about a month before their average arrival date.
Exploration
Average
Temperatures
(last week)
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- Click
on this map to see a larger one.
The lines and colored bands show places that had the same average temperatures
last week. These will migrate across the continent as temperatures warm
in the spring. (Look at or print a new map each week!)
* Can you find the approximate location
of your hometown? What was its average temperature last week?
* How did that compare with your temperature
records? If they varied, explain why you think they did.
* Name 2 states that could have had 36 degree
F average temperatures.
* Name 3 states you think were too cold
for robins. Explain why.
(Definition: The lines that connect places with the
same average temperatures are called isotherms.)
- Calculate
your average weekly temperature.
Think about how you could find that — or simply use Our
Average Weekly Temperatures data sheet.
- Each
week, ask yourselves, "Have we seen any robins yet?"
Continue to calculate your average weekly temperature and keep
your eyes peeled! When your robins show up, how will you answer these
questions?
Did
the robins show up . . .
a) before your average weekly temperature
reached 36 degrees F?
b) right around that time?
c) once the average temperature was
above 36 degrees?
Making
Connections — Journaling and Discussion Questions
- Does
the isotherm theory seem to hold true where you live? Why or why not?
- Which
of robins' basic needs could be affected by temperature, and how? >
- What
other factors might influence the date of the robins' arrival?
- Do
you see a connection between the arrival of robins and the appearance
of earthworms? What do you think causes earthworms to appear?
Digging
Deeper
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Remember
to report the FIRST migrating robin you see this spring. |
Look at
an average
weekly temperature map and figure out about where the 36 degree
F average temperature line appears. Next, look at a map of Journey
North's reported robin sightings for the same week. Do you notice
any correlations?
- Watch
for the first earthworms and note your average weekly temperatures when
worms appear. When you see the first earthworm of the season, report
it to Journey North!
- Choose
a faraway Journey North school and see if you can predict the arrival
of the first robins and earthworms in their location. You can find the
daily high
and low
temperatures of most cities via these links or in the newspaper. You
can also exchange temperature data online with another class.
Why
follow the 36 degree average temperature line (isotherm)?
Scientists believe that by migrating north just behind the advance
of this isotherm, migrating birds will find food and open water available.
It also allows them to have as long a breeding season as that climate
will allow. |
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1997-2008 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments?
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