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Phenology is an excellent way to teach science, technology, and math standards such as inquiry, observation, creating relevant questions, making predictions, graphing and analyzing information, problem solving, conducting basic research, and communication of results.
Image credit:
Lili Gama
Resources for K-4 Classroom Teachers
Phenology and Nature’s Notebook can also be used to teach subjects other than science. Phenology can also support the following standards:
- English and Language Arts such as reading comprehension, writing, speaking and listening
- Social Studies such as American History, World History, Cultural Studies, and Geography
- Healthy Living and Physical Education
- Foreign and Native Languages including communication, culture, and comparative studies
- Arts such as music, theater, and visual arts
Where do I begin?
Adding a phenology monitoring program to your classroom is easy if your project is well planned. Consider involving other like-minded teachers and staff to make it a meaningful, multi-year experience.
If you can commit to establishing a site at your school for at least 2 years, take a look at our Nature's Notebook Planning Resources to help you get started.
- Getting Started with Nature's Notebook in the Classroom
- Classroom Phenology Project Planning Worksheet (available as word doc)
- Lesson Planning Worksheet
- Questions on how to get started? Contact our Education Coordinator.
Curriculum Ideas
There are many hands-on citizen science programs available for phenology monitoring, and some are perfectly suited for K-4 audiences. Visit our partners’ websites for ideas about how to incorporate phenology education in the classroom.
- Project BudBurst - Curriculum
- Great Sunflower Project - Curriculum
- Monarch Watch - Curriculum
- The Great Backyard Bird Count - For Kids
- Journey North - Teacher Resources
More Curriculum Ideas
View Nature's Notebook curriculum materials developed for these grade levels in the table below.
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Flight of the Pollinators |
Experience the importance of plant phenology from a pollinator’s perspective! Adaptable for other perspectives too (herbivores, frugivores, granivores, plant pathogens). Created by Susan Mazer, Alisa Hove, and Brian Haggerty at the University of California, Santa Barbara as part of the Phenological Literacy: Understanding Through Science and Stewardship Program (PLUSS). |