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March: Seek Signs of Spring
Activity Type
Outdoor observation activity
Topic
Phenology, plants, wildlife, seasons
Audience
Children, Teens, Adults, Families, Intergenerational groups
Location
Outdoors
Materials
Internet-connected smartphone or tablet, Nature’s Notebook app or website
Low Tech Options
Participants can make observations on paper during the program and enter their data online afterward
Program Description
What tells you that spring has arrived? Budding trees, blooming flowers, emerging insects, and changing animal activity are all signs of the changing seasons, and your observations can help scientists understand when these changes are happening.
Nature’s Notebook invites people to observe plants and animals and record seasonal changes over time. These observations help scientists study phenology, the timing of recurring life cycle events, and better understand how plants and animals are responding to changes in their environment.
During this program, participants will learn how to look for signs of seasonal change, then head outside to observe plants and animals around the library or at a nearby park. Participants can continue observing the same plants and animals throughout the spring to see how they change over time.
Prep & Flow based on a 1 hour event
Prep:
5 min – Review the Nature’s Notebook project page and participation instructions on SciStarter.
10 min – Create a Nature’s Notebook account, explore the app or website, and practice making an observation.
10 min – Scout the area around your library or program location. Identify a few easy-to-find plants or animals that participants may be able to observe during the program.
Event Flow:
10 min – Set the Stage: Ask participants how they know when spring has arrived. What changes have they noticed outside? Introduce phenology and explain how observing seasonal changes can help scientists understand our changing environment.
15 min – Get Started: Introduce Nature’s Notebook and show participants what kinds of changes they’ll be looking for, such as emerging leaves, flower buds, open flowers, or animal activity.
30 min – Seek Signs of Spring: Head outside and look closely at plants and animals around the library. Guide participants through making and recording observations in Nature’s Notebook.
5 min – Reflect and Wrap Up: Come back together to share what everyone noticed. Encourage participants to choose a plant or place they can revisit throughout the spring and continue documenting how it changes.
No science experience is needed. Just bring your curiosity and take a closer look at the nature around you!
Recommended Project
Nature’s Notebook
Observe plants and animals in your backyard, neighborhood, or another place you visit regularly and record how they change throughout the seasons. Your observations contribute to a national database that helps scientists understand the timing of seasonal events and how plants and animals are responding to environmental change.
Anytime
Outdoors
Phenology, Plants, Wildlife
Program Resources
An Introduction from the Project Leader
Start your event with this short video introducing Nature’s Notebook and explaining how participants contribute to phenology research.
Complimentary Projects & Resources
Spring is also a great time to explore pollinator projects as activity begins to pick up for the season. For additional ideas, check out our June program plans featuring Pollinator Week and our July plans featuring night-shift pollinators.
