Journey North: A Global Study of Wildlife Migration
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/index.html
Be a part of the greater scientific community! Gather data on the migration of animals through the area as they head south or return north, and your scientific observations will be recorded for everyone to use. Lots of opportunities are available, from observing the plants according to season to Monarch butterfly migration. Some of the species included are Bald Eagle, Caribou, Earthworms, Frogs, Hummingbird, Loon, Manatee, Monarch Butterfly, Oriole, Red-winged Blackbird, Robin, Barn Swallow, Whales and Whooping Cranes.
The Journey North is a perfect example of how the Internet makes it possible for students to participate in authentic scientific activities and important data collection. Under the guidance of several scientists from across the country, students are taught how to gather data on the migration of animals through their area. Because so many scientists are involved, so to are many different types of animals. Bald eagles, whales, hummingbirds, robins, and monarch butterflies are all a part of the study. As students study and send information to the participating scientists, their data is posted to the Web site so that students can get constant feedback on the progress of their specific animal.
This activity is freely available, although registration is required for quality control. Printed teaching materials may be purchased but are not necessary to participate. Nor is there a fixed timetable. Journey South monitors the travel of animals during the fall. Classes may gather and submit data through out the school year or only during an active migration time in their geographic area.
For classes interested but limited in their time, students may post just their first sighting of the signs of spring: first leaves, frogs singing, maple sap flowing, and others. This site has something for all classrooms to engage in meaningful scientific study and it is well organized for the teacher. Classroom supports include forty best practice instructional strategies, a discussion board for the sharing of triumphs and hurdles, and Today’s News, which allows students and teachers to stay informed with what other classes are observing. Past projects from other classes may be accessed for either data comparisons or to help the first time teacher get a better handle on starting a project of this nature. Posting of field information to the site is not difficult, even for beginning computer users.
The Journey North is funded by the Annenberg Foundation.
