Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 8, 1997

Colin Maher and Kara Elmquist, Macalester College

Monarch Sightings, Spring, 1997

Before March 1	Red
March 1-March 15	Yellow
March 16-March 31	Blue

• Link to Today's Data
• Link to Data Summary for March, 1997 (Lat/Long Format)

Consider these questions as you review today's map and data. We reported one data point incorrectly. As you look at this map, can you figure out which one it is? Using the data provided in our previous reports, can you answer Challenge Question # 9?

Challenge Question # 9
"What is the date, city & state of the data point that you suspect was incorrectly reported? Why do you think it's unlikely that a monarch was sighted at this place and time?"

Challenge Question # 10
"Why do you think the monarch sightings have occurred only in the southern & eastern portions of the United States?"

To respond to these questions, please follow the instructions at the end of this report.

Analyzing Migration Patterns, Year to Year
How does this spring's monarch migration compare those in previous years? Summaries of the migration data collected by Journey North during March of 1995 and 1996 are provided below. What does this information tell you---and what doesn't it tell you---about monarch migration?

• Link to 1995 & 1996 Data

Try This:

• List all the factors you think might cause the migrations to be different in 1995, 1996 & 1997.
• List all the factors that might cause the data to be different from year to year.
• Review the lesson, "You're the Scientist: Verifying Data Collected by Peers".
  (Also see page 55 of the Journey North Teacher's Manual.)
• Teachers: Guide a classroom discussion using the list of questions included. If you'd like to share the ideas this discussion generated in your class, please send a message to: jnorth@learner.org

Don't forget:
When you see your first monarch butterfly this spring, please report your sighting!

How to REPORT:
On the left-hand side of this page you'll see an owl button. Simply press the button and a FIELD DATA FORM will appear. If you have any trouble using this system, send a message to our feedback form We'd be happy to help you!

What to REPORT
What should you look for when watching for monarchs? Here's a checklist which you can print and take with you in the field. When you report your monarch sightings to Journey North, please include as much of this information as possible in the "Comments" section of your Field Data Form.

• Link to Checklist for Monarch Butterfly Field Notes

How to Respond to Today's Challenge Questions:
Please do not answer both questions in one message!

How to Respond to Journey North Monarch Butterfly Challenge Question # 9

1. Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-monarch@learner.org
2. In the Subject Line of your message write: Challenge Question # 9
3. In the body of the message, give your answer to this question:

Challenge Question # 9
"What is the date, city & state of the data point that you suspect was incorrectly reported? Why do you think it's unlikely that a monarch was sighted at this place and time?"

How to Respond to Journey North Monarch Butterfly Challenge Question # 10

1. Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-monarch@learner.org
2. In the Subject Line of your message write: Challenge Question # 10
3. In the body of the message, give your answer to this question:

Challenge Question # 10
"Why do you think the monarch sightings have occurred only in the southern & eastern portions of the United States?"

Don't Forget!
Please include the name of your school and your location so we can credit you properly for your answers.

The Next Monarch Butterfly Migration Update Will be Posted on April 15, 1997.