Journey North Tulip Garden and Climate Study

Spring 2012	Posted Thursdays: Jan. 5, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3
	February 9, 2012 This week we saw an explosion of green on the map. Gardens are emerging in an interesting pattern. Can you describe it? Read about students in Oregon. These Journey North students 'get it' about being citizen scientists. Compare springs to see if this warm winter weather is affecting the growth of plants across North America.
	February 2, 2012 Today is a special day to stop and think about predicting spring's arrival. That is because it's Groundhog's Day! Folklore passed down through the ages is one tool to look at predictions, but Journey North gardeners are excited about predicting spring using science and technology. Visit two garden experiments shared by citizen scientists.
	January 5, 2012 How cold is the air temperature today? What's the soil temperature where the tulip bulbs are nestled underground? This week, take a closer look at temperatures and locations. Consider how soil temperatures might affect tulip growth this spring.

Fall 2011	Posted Thursdays: Sept. 8, Oct. 6, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, and Jan. 5
	December 8, 2011 Get ready to think about the science and folklore of weather prediction with the new Test garden in Punxsutawney! Explore the difference between weather and climate. Expand your thinking to the global climate. How might the Earth's climates affect plant growth? Share some gardens in the "Spotlight." Study temperatures across the globe in the Map Handout.
	November 10, 2011 M is for microclimate! Explore the essential question, "How do climate conditions affect plant growth?" Use your school yard to study microclimates created by sunlight, humidity, moisture, and wind. Then try the Microclimate Challenge. Visit some Test Gardens. Study temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere in the Map Handout questions.
	October 6, 2011 Your bulbs have arrived and you are about to start digging...but wait! Use scientific skills to weigh, measure, and draw your tulip bulbs. Then explore and learn more about this unique plant structure. Planting your Test Garden can spur questions that lead to experiments this fall. Design and set up a experimental "what if..." garden.
	September 8, 2011 Welcome to the Journey North Tulip Test Garden Study! It’s time to plant your tulip test garden. The tulips in your test garden are tools to measure the climate of your region.Your garden results will provide scientific data about the timing of plant growth in springtime, and become part of a long-term database established in 1994. Dig in now to get ready to announce the arrival of spring 2012.
	Welcome and Orientation Beginning September 8, Tulip UPDATES will be posted here. Get ready to plant your bulbs for this year's tulip project. Find out how to report your planting and track the arrival of spring on real-time maps.