Citizen Science in Albany, Oregon
Teacher Mark Gullickson and his students have shared research from their Journey North Test gardens for almost a decade. This winter their work was highlighted in an article in the Albany Democrat-Herald. Here are some exerpts about their work as citizen scientists:

Every January, Mark Gullickson's students at Central Elementary school join an international science experiment known as the Journey North. They plant Red Emperor tulip bulbs in their test garden and observe the plant growth and development. The data they upload helps scientists worldwide develop a clearer picture of seasonal changes and the effects of climate and geography.

Gullickson uses the project to teach the importance of the scientific method. All bulbs must be the same type and planted in the same week. They must be planted in the same-size plots (6 by 6 inches) and to the same depth (7 inches). Soil and air temperatures are monitored.

"The project is important because scientific data should be shared," said student Taha Haji-Mohamed. "What if, for instance, an American scientist or a Russian scientist had medical data that the other could use to cure a disease? So we're sharing data to show the different climates in the world, just doing it as a world group team," the 10-year-old explained.

Throughout the JN project, Mark Gullickson's students at Central Elementary will be collecting daily weather data in their garden. They use Vernier LabQuests and temperature probes to collect data. Each year the data they collect is compared to data collected by students during previous year.

Thanks to Jennifer Moody and the Albany Democrat-Herald for permission to share.