This past week the first grade launched a science and beautification project here at UES.Through the Journey North Citizen Science Tulip Test Garden Project (http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tulip/) every first grader will plant a tulip bulb, and track its growth this Spring. Students will report when their tulips emerge, track and record the rate of growth and date of blossoming to the national Journey North database. There scientists will compile data from all international test tulip garden sites to report the progression of Spring globally, and identify trends.
Classes will plant in the Park Ave. gardens in front of the school and at the UES welcome sign, as well as in the Loomis St. gardens. The 80 bulbs needed for this project were graciously donated by Montpelier Agway - thank you! First graders will be learning about what scientists do - from asking questions, to collecting data, experimenting and making observations throughout the year. We will look closely at the tulip bulbs again that were planted this week. We will use our 5 senses to explore the bulb and document what we smell, feel, and see. The children also made wonder questions about the bulb - such as I wonder if it will survive the winter, I wonder what the outer covering does for the bulb. Students will also be looking at the cross-section of a tulip bulb and make a diagram of the inside.