Signs of the Seasons 
Gathering Phenology Data

What is Phenology?
Humans have long been aware of changes in nature that are influenced by weather and climate. Phenology is the term for the study of the timing of these seasonal changes in plants and animals. The amount of sunlight, which affects day length and temperature, is the main factor driving these shifts.

When students closely observe the natural world, record data, and notice patterns as the seasons unfold, they build a deeper understanding of seasonal change!

How to Collect Phenology Observations

About Observing the Cycle of the Seasons
Each Phenology Checklist begins with sunlight and progresses up the food chain — from sunlight to plants to animals.

FALL: Sunlight decreases and temperatures drop in the fall. Plants die or go dormant, so food is less available. Some animals migrate and others hibernate, but all must adapt. As you collect your fall observations, pay attention to the events you will track in reverse in the spring.

SPRING: Watch how the food chain rebuilds in the spring as the season progresses. Energy from the sun increases, temperatures rise, ice melts, and plant growth begins. The animals that eat plants appear first, followed by their predators — and so on up the food chain.
Questions to Ask

Before passing out a Phenology Checklist:

  • What signs tell you that fall (or spring) is approaching? (You may want to add these to the Journey North list, or create your own.)
  • What sounds, smells, colors, and feelings accompany these changes for you?

Throughout the season — and from year to year (as students compare phenology checklists):

  • How do you think ______ (event or change) relates to _______ (event or change)?
  • What changes can we predict with accuracy (e.g., length of sun's shadow at different times, spring equinox, last day of school)?
  • What factors vary from year to year based on weather and climate (bulbs blooming, ice out, first robin)?
Extension Ideas

Compare phenology data with a partner school!
 Using nature's clues, can you find where your partner is located? You'll discover how seasonal events vary with geographic location. Choose one of these options:

Make a seasonal timeline or display.

It should depict what you've learned about connections among sunlight temperature, plants, and animals. (Click image to enlarge.)

Other Lesson Links: Exploring the Seasons




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