Connecting the Monarch Migration to School Standards

The monarch migration sparks awe and wonder in people of all ages. Teachers all across North America incorporate the migration into their classroom in numerous ways. Our friends at Journey North have incredible, real-time maps that allow you to follow the migration. Using data submitted by citizen scientists, like you, the maps document first sightings of monarchs (adults, eggs and larvae) as well as the first milkweed shoots to emerge in the spring. Easily report your observations and use these resources to participate in the migration, no matter where you are!

Learn more about connecting the monarch migration to Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards by visiting our Curricula page!

Monarch Population

Monarch Population Count
 
The official 2016-17 monarch population figures have been released. World Wildlife Fund Mexico in collaboration with SEMARNAT and CONANP and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) announced the total forest area occupied by overwintering monarch colonies. Thirteen (13) colonies were located this winter season with a total area of 2.91 hectares. Click the graph to open a larger view. The potential uses of this graph in your classrooms seem infinite! Be sure to use our forum to share the ways you successfully incorporated in in your class!
*Aerial photo of the El Rosario Monarch Colony, Mexico.
Photo by L.P. Brower on February 26, 1999.