Track Spring's Journey North: Migrations, Mystery Schools, Climate, More
Teachers and students in K-12 classrooms are invited to participate this spring in Journey North's 15th annual global study of wildlife migration and seasonal change. A free Internet-based "citizen science" project, Journey North enables students in 11,000 schools to watch the wave of spring as it unfolds. Students monitor migration patterns of monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, whooping cranes, and other animals; the blooming of plants; and changing sunlight, temperatures, and other signs of spring. They share their local observations with classmates across North America and beyond, and look for patterns on real-time maps. As they put local observations into a global context - and connect with field scientists - participants are better prepared to explore indicators and implications of a changing climate.
Each Journey North study features many entry points and resources that address learning standards: Journey North for Kids reading booklets and lessons, stunning photos and video clips, weekly migration updates, interactive maps, and compelling migration "stories."
Thanks to Annenberg Media, Journey North Web site access and participation is free. Visit the site for details: http://www.learner.org/jnorth. Plan now; spring projects begin February 1st!
(Editors: We will gladly provide 72 dpi digital photos on request.)
What Participating Teachers Say About Journey North "Journey North brings what we teach in the classroom into the real world realm for the students. The data collection, graphing, challenge questions, and information are first-rate. I love to watch the children gain a deeper understanding of the concepts incorporated in this program as the weeks progress. As a busy teacher, this is very do-able."
"In 26 years of teaching, this is the best program I have seen for integrating math, science, reading, and even social studies. It motivates students and gives them a chance to develop and use skills in a real world situation." "
The best thing about Journey North is that you can get involved on any level that works for you!"
"One of the greatest challenges for teachers is to get children to think collaboratively. Journey North activities are so strong, they not only teach content well, but teach children how to think."
"Journey North makes it possible for my land-locked urban school to participate in worldwide, real-time science, geography, and cultural experiences that broaden our perspectives and unite us with other students and teachers. The reading and writing connections are an excellent new addition. . . . We became involved with the symbolic butterflies, and concerned about the real ones. The activities and hearing from the experts and Mexican students made us feel like we were there! We all felt more connected to the world around us and more aware of our responsibilities to that world."
"We loved Mystery Class! My students would come into the classroom asking if I had received a new e-mail from Journey North. Every Friday we posted new sunrise and sunset data and I never had to tell them to come in and get started; they were in their groups working as soon as they walked in the room. Thank you so much for a wonderful, easy ongoing project!"
