Our class is planting a tulip test garden as part of the international science project called Journey North. We will connect with hundreds of other schools in the Northern Hemisphere. We are beginning this fall by planting Red Emperor tulip bulbs. Next spring, we will share our local observations and track spring's progress.
Track changes in season and climate across the globe. Join students across the Northern Hemisphere in planting a Journey North Test Garden. Here's how.
Step 1: Before You Plant
Monarchs are changing dramatically in the fall, in physiology and in behavior. They are:
1. Becoming Migratory
Watch for signs of migratory monarchs:
- flying in directional flight
- clustering in overnight roosts
- nectaring intensely
2. Responding to Daylength
Declining day length is a central cue that triggers the monarch's migratory state. In the northern breeding range photoperiod is falling by 20 minutes by mid-August. This sends a signal that it's time to migrate.
Monarch Migration Updates are the core of Journey North's live program. Each Update includes a Journal Page They include real-time migration maps and challenge questions, authentic field observations from citizen scientists, they summarize news about the migrations and include related lessons and links. Invite students to collect and reflect on the news.