Tulip Test Gardens
Update: February 12, 2009    Please Report >>
Gardens Emerged or Blooming
Welcome to the Journey North Tulip Garden Study!
Network map
Who is watching and recording the weather? Every dot on this map is a cooperating weather recorder! >>
News: Mapping the Green

This week's tulip map shares the story of spring-like temperatures. Where is the green this week? Can you see a pattern across North America? Describe it to a friend.

There are 23 gardens showing tulips emerging. Where will the next tulips emerge? Study the map and make your prediction.

NA map
Europe map

Asia map
map/sightings
(North America)
 map/sightings
(Eurasia)		 map/sightings
(Asia)
Do you ever wonder about the information that is used to make weather and climate maps?
Check out: This Week's Map Questions (Handout) >>
Gardeners Comment

Gardeners comment on unusual events:

  • "Today we observed about 6 of our tulips emerge from our garden. Earthworms were also spotted. This year has been unusually cold, with more snow than normal. It was even snowing lightly when we observed our tulips. "  -Forest Grove, OR 02/09/09
  • "Today the two tulip beds had about 8 little light green tulip plants emerging one inch out of the soil. 'Staten Island Chuck,' New York's groundhog, predicted spring—and here is is a week later. Finally!"  - New York, NY 02/09/09
  • "Earlier emergence than the previous 2 years. First one this year appeared around January 30, 2009. Several are up today, February 7. Usually the first one appears around February 9."  - Ogden, UT 02/07/09
Explore: You Are a Weather Watcher!

Did You Know?
What's happening in your garden is closely related to the weather and climate of your area. Do you know the difference between weather and climate?

Avg temp map
Avg. Temp. Feb. 1-7, 2009
>>
The old saying is "climate is what we expect and weather is what we get."
Climate: The average weather pattern of a region over at least a 30-year period. (Note that the climate may be different if weather patterns are averaged over different periods of time ...30 years or 1000 years, for example).

Weather: The current activity of the atmosphere, including temperature, wind, clouds, and precipitation.
   

Did You Know? You Are a Meteorologist
As you make local observations and analyze maps, and data, you have learned to think critically about how weather influences seasonal events.

Follow Your Weather: You can set up a weather station, or simply go out and track the weather at your school.

  • Here's how >>
  • Record your weather >>
Weather lesson
You're the Scientist:

Is this a "normal" weather week where you live?

Does it feel warmer or colder than last year at this time? Is this a normal spring or is it earlier or later than usual? What does your gut say? How could you verify this?

  • Lesson, Maps, and Journaling Questions >>
 thermometer
Discover: What Color are Your Tulip Sprouts?

Sharpen your observation skills! Use them to learn more about your garden as it emerges and grows this spring. Begin looking carefully and closely at an emerging garden. How many things do you notice? Write them down!

  • What's happening Here? >>

Try This!
 Step into the lab for an experiment with plant pigments. Grab your Tulip Garden Journal and explore. Find out what happens to the same pigment placed in different environments.

  • Experiment with Plant Pigments >>
 book cover
Look closely.What do you see? >>
Related Journey North Lessons and Links
  • Explore: Observing Weather and Collecting Data >>
  • Explore: What's happening? Pigments >>
  • Mapping Spring Data: Lessons and Resources >>
  • Questioning: Making Sense of Journey North Maps >>
  • Helpful Weather Links: Climate Weather and Seasons >>
  • Tulip Garden Journals (click-and-print) >>
outdoor min max thermometer
A simple thermometer opens the world of meterology at your school.
More Journey North Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Tulip Garden Update Will Be Posted on February 19, 2009.

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