Japanese students are facing a unique challenge this summer. Their annual homework assignment of observing the growth and bloom of the Morning Glory (Asagao) is thermo-testing their patience, as record-high temperatures affect the plant's natural life cycle. The unprecedented weather conditions have sparked lively discussions among the education community and broader society, examining the resilience of traditional teaching methods to climate change influences.

In Japan, observing the Morning Glory's growth is a common summer vacation homework for elementary school students, aimed at teaching them about nature and lifecycle. The recent heatwave affects the plant's growth, creating an unexpected difficulty for children. This situation is being discussed widely, with many parents and educators debating adjustments to the long-standing tradition to account for changing weather patterns. The issue also touches on broader topics in Japanese society, like climate change and its impact on education and traditions.

In the US or EU, students also engage in nature observation homework, though not specifically Morning Glories. Challenges resulting from weather conditions are usually seen as part of the learning experience. However, drastic weather changes prompted by climate change are increasingly becoming a topic of discussion in these regions’ educational systems. Adjustments to environmental education amidst changing conditions is a conversation relevant both to Japan and global education communities.