Overview

Students identify and discuss the importance of Michigan’s cherry harvests in local culture and economy. They also create and examine graphs using historical data to explore the relationship between temperature and cherry bloom dates.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

1. Understand the importance of cherries to Michigan’s economy.

2. Understand and analyze historical phenology data on blooming date.

3. Understand and explain how changes in temperature can influence cherry phenology and crop success.

Additional Resources

If students first need an introduction or refresher on climate change, Lesson 2 from the middle school unit Climate Change and Michigan Forests may be helpful: “Connections to Climate Change” 

Lesson 1 Standards