Climate Connections: Making Sense of Seasonal Observations

Year after year, Journey North students carefully observe and chart the timing of plant growth, animal migrations, and other seasonal events that are affected by day length and climate. They explore how living things are adapted to their environments and interdependent with other organisms.

Since 1994, Journey North has compiled seasonal observations in a database and on real-time maps. As students look at their own and others’ data collected over the years, they notice patterns. Did robins or monarch butterflies arrive early, late, or “on time” in the last few years? Why might that have occurred? Were spring temperatures higher than average, lower, or about the same? How might these differences affect the health or survival of individuals and species?

Journey North students think like scientists who study our changing climate and its impact on living things.

During every Journey North season, you will find authentic, "real-time" opportunities to explore the connections between climate, migrations, and other natural phenomena. This Climate Connections feature highlights a few studies and activities that can help engage and prepare students for a deeper understanding of the concepts.

Try one of these activities: