 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Tulip Garden Update: December 10, 1999
|
Today's Report Includes: |
|
A Growing Number of Gardens!
Another 82 Journey North Gardens have been planted! After adding today's data to your map you'll have a grand total of 243. If you've planted your garden but haven't reported it yet, please do so right away. You'll find today's data below.
You'll notice some plantings are dated January, 2000. Are these classrooms reporting their gardens early to celebrate the new Millennium? Actually, because these gardeners live in warm regions (Zones 8-11), they're chilling out and waiting until next month to plant:
"We'll be planting our tulip garden the week of January 3. Our bulbs will be in the refrigerator until then." Citrus Elementary in Vero Beach, FL (bailey_a@popmail.firn.edu)
Today's Tulip Garden Data
Thanks to everyone for reporting their news! We've posted all data and
you can read comments from all hardworking gardeners in the database. If you have
planted a garden but you are NOT on this list, please report to Journey North. Simply
press the "owl" button and a Field Data Form will appear.
Tulips & Temperatures Underground
"It was a cold and windy day and the ground was starting to get hard", observed Raymond Elementary School students as they were planting their tulip garden in Brockton, MA (ldydeb52@aol.com)
We're now approaching the deepest, darkest time of winter. What do you suppose
will happen underground, when air temperatures drop lower and lower? Students can
find out using a very simple soil thermometer. "I didn't know you could take
the Earth's temperature!" exclaimed one excited student when she saw one. (The
thermometers are available for under $15 US. See below.)
Plan to use this cool tool once each month to find out how soil temperatures change
over time. Students are always surprised each spring to see how early their tulips
emerge. This activity will help you get ready for their questions about underground
temperatures!
Activity
- Begin with a class discussion. Ask students, "What do you suppose will happen
underground, when air temperatures drop lower and lower this winter? Do you think
the underground temperatures will be the same as the air temperatures? Why or why
not?" Show students the soil temperature thermometer so they can picture how
you will measure underground temperatures.
- Give students a copy of the Data Sheet: "Tulips
and Temperatures Underground" .
Have them predict what the soil and air temperatures will be each month, from January through June. (Choose the same time of month to make your measurements.) For air temperature, students should predict the "average daily temperature". For prediction purposes, they can simply guess what they think the average temperature on a typical day would be. However, they should understand the meaning of "average daily temperature", and they will need to calculate it on the day that you actually take your temperature measurements.
To calculate average daily temperature: Add the day's high temperature plus the overnight low temperature. Then divide by two. (These temperatures are usually published in your daily newspaper, on the following day.)
- Plan to measure the soil temperature and average air temperature once each month.
Before you go outside to make your measurements, have students look at their original
predictions. When they return inside, have them reflect on their observations and
record their thoughts in their science journals. Have them graph the changes in air
and soil temperatures from month to month.
- During the year, make a list of the questions students have about underground temperatures. Try to have students come up with questions such the Discussion Questions below. Whenever they ask a question, ask them: "What observations could you make to answer your own question? Encourage them to conduct a scientific experiment following the proper steps: 1) Form a question, 2) make a hypothesis, 3) design your experiment, 4) analyze your results, 5) draw you conclusion.
Discussion Questions
- Does the soil temperature change during the day as much as the air temperature changes? Why or why not?
- If there is snow on the ground, does it affect underground soil temperatures? If so, why do you think this happens?
- Are soil temperatures different at different depths beneath the surface? (Students could draw a profile of the soil, showing how temperature changes with depth.)
- If the sun is shining does the soil temperature rise underground? How does this change at different depths? (Again, draw a soil profile.)
Extensions:
1. Choose a partner class in Journey North's Classroom Exchange. Arrange to share your predictions and results.
2. Remind students that frogs, worms and countless other creatures survive the
winter by living underground. Have students choose one such animal, then do research
to learn about the adaptations this animal has in order to survive underground.
Where to Purchase a Soil Thermometer:
To purchase a soil temperature thermometer contact Weatherama (612-432-4315). Ask
for their simple soil thermometer that sells for $14.00. It has a 4" metal probe
with a disk at the top that gives the temperature readings in 5 degree intervals.
Avoid Theft: Unfortunately, many teachers have had problems with theft and
vandalism. Therefore, do not leave your thermometer outside. Using the thermometer's
probe, make a hole in the soil. Put a drinking straw into the hole so it will remain
open when the soil freezes. Cover the hole with a coffee can so it will not be buried
under the snow.
The Next Tulip Garden Update Will Be Posted on January 14, 2000
Copyright 1999 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
