Sunlight & Seasons Signs of Fall: Observation Reminder for September A Monthly Reminder to Go Outside What is Phenology? Outdoor Observations for September Resources to Explore What clues can you find? A Monthly Reminder to Go Outside! It's a Wonder Out There! "Squirrels are beginning to gather nuts out of the yard, colors of foliage changing slowly. Squash,gourds and pumpkins are nearing harvesting. The days are slowly becoming shorter. Ragweed is blooming,milkweed pods almost ready to burst." - a reporter from Kenosha, Wisconsin What are you noticing outside your classroom? Brainstorm a list of changes you remember happening in the fall. Then take a few minutes to go outside and draw, photograph, and/or write about changes you notice. Do this each week, and by the end of the month you can dedicate a chapter in your "Signs of Fall" journal to changes you've recorded in September. Don't forget to go outside on September 22, the fall equinox, (or as close as you can) to record your observations! Students can keep weekly observations, drawings, and checklists in this Signs of Fall journal.     "Grackles are gone. They won't be missed," writes Paul in Ontario. Surely everyone can share at least one thing about the changing season that they are grateful for. What would it be for you? The grackle, commonly found in North America, is an aggressive bird. It is considered a pest in farming areas because it eats freshly sown seed. What is Phenology? Phenology is the study of the seasonal timing of life cycle events. For instance, in the fall, animals migrate or hibernate and plants die or go dormant. The timing of these events is affected by day length, temperature, and rainfall. Teachers: About Phenology and Journey North Outdoor Observations for September What is happening to your daylight hours as summer winds down? Pay close attention to the hours of sunlight (photoperiod). Changing sunlight from month to month is the basis for all other seasonal changes! Record your observations on one of these handouts: Signs of Fall Journal Watching the Seasons Change (K-3) Fall Phenology Checklist (grade 4+) Read what other students have reported by visiting any of Journey North's maps. Click on the "I" tool and then on a dot (report) to read comments. Signs of Fall map Other Journey North maps Resources to Explore Student Journal: Signs of Fall Watching the Seasons Change: Grades K-3 Fall Checklist: Grades 4+ Photo: What clues can you find? Report your observations! (Choose "Signs of Fall" or other events.) Share: Exchange Observations with a Partner! Handout: Signs of Fall: Clues About Seasonal Change Teachers: About Signs of the Seasons (Phenology) Signs of Fall for October: A reminder will be posted on October 1, 2010

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