Journey North Teacher's Manual

This animation shows how precipitation changes around the world throughout the year. (Precipitation includes rain, sleet, and snow.) The black arrow points to Mexico. Watch how precipitation changes in Mexico over the course of a full year.

First Get Oriented

Find to the place in Mexico where monarchs overwinter.
Take time to understand the map. Look at the title and the color key.

Now Watch the Seasons Change in Mexico

What patterns do you notice?
Mexico has two seasons, a wet season and a dry season. Based on these maps, when do you think the dry season begins and ends? The wet season?
Does this map match Dr. Brower's precipitation graph for the monarch overwintering sites in Mexico?

Further Exploration

What general statements can you make about global precipitation?
Does this map match your own experiences with precipitation patterns where you live?
Which areas/latitudes tend to have the most precipitation? The least?
What happens to the rainiest bands throughout the year? (Look at Central and South America.) Which direction(s) do they move?
Point to a place in North America that you think might have a rainy season and a dry season. Explain why you think so.

Find out what scientists think>>

Education Standards >>