Teaching Suggestions
Global Climate
Exploring Climate Variables that Affect Plant Growth
Overview
| Introduction | ||
Wet, dry, cold, hot, windy, calm. Citizen scientists plant tulip test gardens in places with different climates. Explore climate variables to predict how different conditions will affect where and when tulips emerge and bloom.
|
||
| Set the Stage for Learning | ||
1. Assess background knowlege by displaying a world map. Ask students about what they would pack for a vacation to a dream location. What items would be suitable for weather they expect in that region of the world? As students share favorite locations, ask them if climate conditions are important factors and why. |
|
|
2. Preview images in the photo gallery. On chart paper, post the essential question: How do the Earth's different climate conditions affect plant growth? Make predictions and ask questions. |
 |
|
| Activities for Exploring Climate | ||
1. Review weather and climate. The term weather refers to the day-to-day changes in atmospheric conditions. Climate refers to long-term weather conditions. Use guiding questions to spark discussion, invite research, and assess understanding.
|
 |
|
2. Explore climate variables. Plant growth is temperature dependent. Many factors affect temperature. Examine tulip test garden profiles to compare climate variables that affect plant growth. Predict how different climate conditions will affect where and when tulips emerge and bloom. |
 |
|
3. Compare with a partner garden. Use the Tulip Test Garden maps to find a partner garden. Compare latitude, elevation, air and water temperature, wind, and the distance from the equator and nearest ocean with your climate. How will the different conditions affect when tulips will emerge and bloom? |
 |
|
