Geography and Monarch Migration
Why Do Monarchs Hug the Atlantic Coast?

1) Map Interpretation: Geography and Migration
Take time to let students study this map, think about the question we posed ("What do you think makes these places so good for watching monarch migration?"), and record their thoughts in a journal. Have them explain in their own words how geography and migration are related.

2) Map Interpretation: Habitat and Migration
Explore the three migration "hotspots" in more detail on Google Maps. Start at Cape May, NJ. Zoom in for a close look. Think about a monarch's habitat needs. Look for natural areas surrounded by human development along the Atlantic Coast. Ask, What places do you think monarchs could find what they need (food, water, shelter, space)? Where might it be difficult? How can people help monarchs during migration?

3) Inquiry Strategies: Exploring What Scientists Do
Explore the history of Dick Walton's migration studies on Cape May. What did the scientist wonder? What steps did he take to answer his questions? Read the year-by-year history and look for the discoveries he has made over 15 years of studying fall migration (e.g., a monarch that flew to the Bahamas, many that made it to Mexico, a 250,000 monarch day). Have students complete this sentence for each discovery: "This is evidence that a monarch (or migrating monarchs) ________________."