Male deer growing antlers to begin the breeding season is an example of a phenological event. First in a four-part series is an activity requiring individuals to collect phenological data on their campus. Classes discuss phenology, the study of life-cycle events, and begin to make observations. They then learn how to identify unknown plants and use these tools to help them further collect data. 

Concepts

seasonal change, plant identification, data collection

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• If possible, complete part two outside so classes can see the entire plant and not just leaves and/or flowers brought into class; this gives them complete information about a plant

Classroom Considerations

• Activity assumes teacher has background the BudBurst project and can register classes online for their data collections (free to register); directions are included
• Lesson is appropriate for eighth and ninth graders as well

Pros

• Lesson provides a basic script for the teacher to follow for part one; parts two and three are more research-based and focus on data collection not discussion
• Includes all individual worksheets and extension activities at the end of the lesson

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.7