Here are some of your questions and comments.

Here are some very good questions from some very good scientists! Plus many more comments from schools below.

Oakfield Primary School asked: 'What is the tallest daffodil ever recorded in this experiment'? The tallest was recorded by Ysgol Sant Dunawd on the 15/4/2010. It was a whopping 80cms tall!

Ysgol Nant Y Coed asked: 'If these results are similar to this time last year?' A very good question. I've answered this question locally for Nant y Coed, for Wales and looked at the long term patterns.

Locally at Nant Y Coed school: On Average the first two weeks in November 2010 had less rain and were warmer than in 2009.

Rainfall: 2009 - 20.9mm. 2010 - 14.6mm.

Temperature: 2009 - 7.7degC. 2010 - 14degC.  

Was the pattern the same in your school?

Study 2010 results: http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/2968/ 

Study 2009 results: http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/2952/

For Wales: This October was slightly colder than last year and had about the same amount of rain as in 2009.

Mean temperature in 2009 11deg C and 2010 9.8degC.   

Mean rainfall 128.3mm in 2009 and 123.8mm in 2010.

Looking at the long-term patterns: The monthly average for October between 1971-2000 was 6.5degC. The last two Octobers have been much warmer in comparison.

See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/areal/wales.html  

Have any schools had snow yet? If so let me know.

Many thanks. Professor Plant.

Thousands of pupils enjoyed getting their hands dirty on Wednesday 20th of October as part of the Spring Bulbs for Schools - climate change investigation.

Many were really excited to plant their 'baby' bulbs which they will nurture until next spring. Next week, the schools will begin to gather weather records and complete challenges set by Professor Plant to work towards their Super Scientist Certificates.

This project is not only an excellent opportunity for learning outside the classroom but also a great way for Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales to share scientific knowledge and resources with schools all across Wales.

The stats...

5.4% of Welsh primary schools are taking part this year, that’s 2,681 pupils from 71 schools across Wales.

60% of the schools are more than 30 miles away from National Museum Cardiff, which is hosting the investigation. 

42% of the schools are based in North Wales, 33.8% in South East Wales, 16.9% in West Wales and 8.4% from Mid Wales.

38% are in communities 1^st areas and 40% are Welsh speaking or bilingual.

37% are in the 1^st year of the project whilst 63% have been doing the project for two years or more.

Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales has been making preparations to send spring bulbs and pots to 2,621 primary school scientists across Wales, as part of an on-going study into the effects of climate change.

More than 3,000 bulbs were kindly donated by the Really Welsh company and then packed by a super efficient team of volunteers. The bulbs, pots and equipment will enable the schools to record the weather and flowering dates in 70 locations across Wales.

Each school will complete tasks and keep records through the winter and spring term to earn super scientist certificates that are awarded to pupils by the project leader - Professor Plant.  

The volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were happy to help with the logistics of this very worthwhile project, which enables the Museum to share its scientific knowledge with schools all over Wales - no matter how remote.

The most dedicated school will win a trip to a daffodil picking day with the farmers of Really Welsh who grow all their produce within Wales.

This week, van driver, Paul Evans will be delivering the investigation packs across the winding roads of Wales to ensure the schools have their bulbs in time for the big planting day which will take place on the 20th of October. Paul has worked for the Museum loan service for 20 years. 

Investigation Results 2006-2010

The ‘Spring Bulbs for Schools’ project allows 1000s of schools scientists to work with Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales to investigate and understand climate change.

Since October 2005, school scientists across Wales have been keeping weather records and noting when their flowers open, as part of a long-term study looking at the effects of temperature on spring bulbs.

See Professor Plant's reports attached or download the spreadsheet to study the trends for yourself!

Many Thanks

Professor Plant

Follow our Great Tit nest box camera at St Fagans!http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/2736/

Eight eggs were laid on the 27th of April and finally hatched yesterday. The chicks are so small you can only really see them when they open their mouths. Mr & Mrs Great Tit are now very busy feeding their family in the woodlands at St.Fagans.