Journey North Symbolic Monarch Butterfly Migration

Symbolic Migration Lessons

Send a Monarch to Mexico!

The migration of the monarch butterfly is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. But scientists consider it an "endangered phenomena." They fear that this incredible journey may not last beyond the next decade.

Fall Lessons

Journey North's celebration symbolizes a hopeful partnership between Canada, the United States, and Mexico as this fragile butterfly crosses borders. As you prepare to send your paper ambassadors to Mexico, use these lessons to help reinforce the spirit and objectives of the Symbolic Monarch Migration.

Lesson 1: Monarch Butterflies as a Shared Natural Resource >>	Lesson 2: Crossing Borders: Rules That Affect Monarchs >>
Lesson 3: What is an Ambassador? >>	Lesson 4: Giving Gifts: What to Expect Next Spring >>
Lesson 5: Comparing the Real and Symbolic Migrations >>

Track the Migration to Mexico, too! >>

Winter Lessons

After you have sent your paper ambassadors to Mexico, read and watch these stories, lessons, and videos to learn more about conservation through the Symbolic Monarch Migration.

How Students are Helping the Monarchs in Mexico: Three Conservation Stories

As part of the 2008/2009 Symbolic Migration, 510 classrooms sent almost $10,000 for monarch conservation in Mexico through the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Foundation. These three conservation stories are about work that the children's donations supported.

Life in the Mexican Monarch Sanctuary Region (English + Spanish stories)
While Mexican students care for your butterflies, watch and read slideshows about life in the sanctuary region. They portray the personal side of monarch conservation as seen through the eyes of the children and families who live in the area.

The Geography of Migration
Students in the sanctuary region want to know why their mountain home is so important for monarchs. This lesson looks closely at the connection between geography and migration.

The Geography of Migration

Monarch Math: Carrying Funds for Conservation Work
Each year students generously collect and send funds to support conservation projects in the Mexican sanctuary region. Polish your math skills as you work through this puzzler.

Monarch Math

Learn More About Monarch Butterflies!

For Young Readers:

Booklets >>
Slideshows >>
Other Journey North for Kids >>
More Resources >>