Annenberg Learner has a great website that follows the migration of many kinds of animals. This part of the website about the American robin gives students a chance to test hypotheses about why and when robins migrate into their regions. One hypothesis is that robins arrive when the average temperature is 36 º F. This experiment, after basic preparation is made, suggests ways the hypothesis can be explored. Included is a link to a current map of average temperatures in the United States, a data sheet format, and a sample graph of how to report the average weekly temperatures. The robin is the quintessential harbinger of spring, so documenting its appearance gives hope for the end to this long winter.
courtesy of Knovation
