Journey North Tulip Garden and Climate Change Study

Comparing February Tulip Maps 2005-2007

2005
Feb. 4, 2005
(Dates emerged)

2006
Feb. 3, 2006
(Dates emerged)

2007
Feb. 2, 2007
(Dates emerged)

Journaling Questions

How are the maps the same, and how are they different?
Look at the latitude line that goes through northern California and follow it across the country. Count the number of gardens (green triangles) reported emerged north of that line each year (by early February). What general statement could your make?
What factors might cause these differences from year to year?
What questions or concerns do you have about this?

Warming Winters?
Most scientists agree that Earth's climate is heating up. In fact, 2006 was the warmest year on record. And in the continential United States, the past nine years have been among the 25 warmest years on record! (We need to look at decades, rather than just a few years, to confirm that real climate change is taking place.)

This gradual warming will affect plants, animals, and all other life on Earth. Some scientists predict that 2007 will be the warmest year on record. Let's keep track and see if those predictions are true!

How might global warming affect tulip bulbs? Will it cause them to emerge too early? Will too much heat prevent them from forming flower buds in the winter? No one knows for sure! Your participation in our tulip study is important for helping answer these types of questions.

Go to the Global Warming Kids page to learn more about Global Warming and Climate Change.