The Winter Solstice is behind us now, and the Northern Hemisphere will begin to experience longer daylight hours. What will happen to mid-day shadows as we move toward the Spring Equinox? Explore water this month, and learn how special it is. In winter we can find water in its frozen state. Find out about a special winter sport in the Netherlands. (Hint: It is related to water.) Finally, take a look at the Earth from space and study how daylight is changing.

Today's Reminder Includes:

• How is the Season Changing?
  
• Winter Solstice Shadows in Alaska
• Maps: Phenology Around the Globe
• Explore: Water and the Seasons
• Resources
  

No Snow?
Students make tortilla snowflakes...

What???

The winter solstice has passed. As we move through winter and into spring, lots of clues will tell you the season is changing. What will they be? That's for you to discover!

Each month, we remind you to go outside and observe. Look, smell, feel, and listen carefully. Also pay attention to the hours of sunlight. Changing sunlight is what leads to all other seasonal changes. Record your observations on one of these handouts:

• Signs of Spring Journal
• Watching the Seasons Change (K-3)
• Signs of Spring Checklist (grade 4+)

Find all the Signs of Fall comments on the maps below—and report your own observations!

Here in Shageluk, Alaska at the Innoko River School, we decided it would be fun to measure our shadows on the day of the Winter Solstice; the shortest day of the year!

• See what Innoko students did!

3 PM
Sunset in Shageluk

The farther north you get from the equator, the more water changes from season to season.

Winter in cold regions means that water turns to ice and can offer some fun sport. This month we hear from ice skaters in Rutten, Netherlands who are spending hours skating on their frozen canals. Do you have icy rivers and ponds where you live?

All life on Earth depends on water in its liquid form. Plants and animals couldn't live without it. In fact, our bodies are nearly 70 percent water!

Think about how water affects the world around you. Dig a little deeper.

• Water and the Seasons

Skating on frozen canals in the Netherlands

How is water changing?
Photo: ©2007 Tom Henthorn Sr.

• Student Journal: Signs of Fall
• Slide Show: Telling Time with Shadow Sticks
  • Teachers: Background Information
• Share: Exchange Observations with a Partner!
• Report your observations!
• Maps: Signs of Fall / Other Fall Maps
• Handout: Signs of Fall
• Teachers: About Signs of the Seasons
• Handout: Watching the Seasons Change
• Fall Checklist: Grades 4+