Spring Learning Fun

This spring has been a mix of weather, ranging from sunshine and warm temperatures to snow and storms.  During a virtual meeting, a few gifted students noted the weather at their home and were comparing it with the weather others had at their home in various locations around the state.  The students found it rather interesting that while some of them had trees and flowers with leaves and blossoms, others of them still had “winter trees,” devoid of signs of spring.  They decided to track the weather and plant growth for three weeks so they could continue to compare their locations and the rate of spring’s advance in Wisconsin. It was a welcome distraction, given the pandemic and the restrictions of the past year.

There were many things that students learned through this weather and growth analysis.  First, it was completely student-driven. It was their idea, and their follow-through. They told their parents about the endeavor, and the parents were eager to support them. Next, students used inquiry to explore and record the weather and plant growth. They also used reading, writing, math, science, and measurement skills. When the students got back together virtually to compare notes, graphs, and charts, they were using communication, technology, and collaboration skills. Students enjoyed performing distance research and comparing the weather and plant growth across the state. These students were able to go deeper into the weather patterns and plant growth, as many gifted students do.

Parents were also excited with the engagement of their students, the collaboration with peers in other places, and the analysis the students did together.  Parents expressed that this activity provided a unique learning opportunity which was fun and allowed their students to learn in new ways, all stemming from a casual virtual meeting. Additionally, parents were pleased with the positive efforts of the students and the virtual learning that was accomplished.  

Often a casual friendly encounter can turn into something exciting and engaging, and a positive learning experience that is also fun.These teachable moments are valuable for families.

Here are some websites that provide scientific information about the weather, and growing things.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Includes local weather information.
https://www.noaa.gov

National Weather Service
Includes local weather information.
https://www.weather.gov

WI Vegetable Entomology, UW-Madison
https://vegento.russell.wisc.edu/crops/

WI Horticulture, UW-Madison Division of Extension
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu

Garden Calendar for May
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/garden-calendar-for-may/

The Old Farmer’s Almanac-WI Planting Calendar
https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/WI

The Old Farmer’s Almanac-Weather
https://www.almanac.com/weather

Dr. Wanda Routier