Journey North Tulip Test Gardens: Fall 2009

Tulip Test Gardens

Update: September 9, 2010

Please Report
After You Plant:

Welcome to Journey North's Climate Study:

It's Time to Plant Your Tulip Test Garden!
The tulips in your test garden are the tools you will use to measure the climate of your region. Your results will provide scientific data about the timing of plant growth in springtime. By sharing the information you gather, we can monitor changes in the seasons and climate around the world. As a long-term database that was established in 1994, this information is a valuable scientific resource. We hope you will enjoy this climate study and contribute year after year!
Today's Report Includes:

Let's Get Started: Overview Video and Instruction Packet for Teachers
Explore: Where Do We Plant our Garden?
Organize Your Journey North Tulip Test Garden Project
Report: Report Your Garden Planted

Image of the Week

Sequence Puzzle
What is the tulip project all about?
Move the puzzle pieces with your mouse until the pictures show the garden from fall to spring!

Let's Get Started!

Overview Video and Instructions Packet for
Teachers
View this short introductory video clip and find out more about the tulip garden study you are beginning! Then print this project guide and keep it handy for planning.

Exploring Seasonal Change (video)
Instruction Packet for Teachers (print)

Explore: Where Do We Plant Our Tulips?

Because your tulips will proclaim the arrival of spring in your community, you must plant them in a site that best satisfies the planting protocol that all test gardens will follow. To help you choose your site, go out and explore the schoolyard climate. Explore different locations and gather data on temperatures and other variables.

Use our checklist or rubric (at the link below) to determine which of your possible planting sites best meets the planting protocol.

Deciding Where to Plant Your Test Garden (Grades K-3, Grades 4+)

Journal Question:
Why is it important that all participants follow the same planting instructions, and plant their gardens according to protocol?

Make a sketch of your school grounds. Can you find places with different temperatures? Which place best represents the official temperatures of your town?

Organize Your Journey North Tulip Test Garden Project

Bookmark the Tulip Test Garden Home Page

Print the Project Timeline

Invite families to join the experiment with this Take-home Letter (view/print)

Print Tulip Garden Journals

Organize your class with these tips from a veteran teacher who walks you through the year.

Read the slideshow or print booklets: When Does Spring Reach Your Hometown?

Review Inquiry Strategies: Explore What Scientists Do

Take-home Letter

Invite families to join the experiment!

REPORT Your Garden Planted

Report your garden "PLANTED" after planting and you will see your garden on the map!
Report your Tulips PLANTED

More Journey North Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Tulip Garden Update Will Be Posted on October 7, 2010.