A series of Data Cases.

Part 1 guides learners to explore population trends in monarch butterflies and consider evidence associated with one hypothesized cause of the decline–the loss of milkweed.

Part 2 guides learners to explore variation in the phenology of milkweed emergence, flowering, and seed dispersal, to consider the possible causes of such variation, and to consider the limited evidence about how shifts in phenology could impact monarchs and other herbivores.

We encourage you to choose what is appropriate for your learning goals with your learners.  We typically model data discussions with part 1 and then conduct a jigsaw style discussion with part 2.  Suggested time: about 2 50-minute class periods.