Journey North International Plant Study Fall 2008

Update: September 11, 2008

Please Report >>
After You Plant Your Garden

Welcome to the 2008 Journey North Tulip Garden Study!

Let's Get Started!

Overview Video
Tune in to this short introductory video clip
and find out more about the tulip garden study you are beginning! Find out what veteran teachers say about their students and the scientific method.

Exploring Seasonal Change video >>

When Does Spring Reach Your Hometown?
Did you know that spring arrives at different times in different places? Find out how your own tulip garden can indicate the arrival of spring where you live. Read our hands-on, introductory booklet about the Journey North tulip garden project.

When Does Spring Reach Your Hometown?
- Downloadable Booklet (How to fold >>)
- Slide Show
- Teacher's Guide

Overview Video >>

Slide Show >>

Explore: Where Do We Plant Our Tulips?

Planting Location is Important
Your tulips will announce the arrival of spring in your community. Where will you plant them?

What do plants need to grow?
What factors might affect the growing tulips?
What spot will best represent your local temperatures?

Work together to make a list. Then imagine places on the schoolyard that might fit the bill.

Take a Schoolyard Field Trip
You need to decide where your tulip bulbs will be planted. To help you choose your site, go out and explore the schoolyard climate. Does the schoolyard have a sunny place? Find north, south, east and west on a compass or GPS. How might the direction your garden faces affect plant growth?

Next, use our checklist or rubric to determine which of your sites best represent an official garden site.

Try these activities and checklists! >>

Journal Question:
Why is it important in this international science experiment to have all schools following the same instructions for garden location?

Make a schoolyard sketch for your records.

Teacher Tip: The checklist helps you choose an official site, but Journey North's Planting Instructions explain what types of tulips to plant, how to plant them, and so on. If you haven't already done so, read the Planting Instructions before digging in.

Organize Your Journey North Tulip Garden Project

Begin with a Timeline >>

Introduce Families to Journey North:
Take-home Letter >> (Print version >>)

Organize the Tulip Project:
A veteran teacher walks you through the year >>

Print Tulip Garden Journals (click-and-print) >>

Explore Fall Lessons and Activities >>

Introduce families to Journey North >>

More Journey North Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Tulip Garden Update Will Be Posted on October 9, 2008.