Bird Characteristics
Initial Publication Date: August 24, 2007
Summary
In this lesson, students will learn bird characteristics through observation and classifying activities. Indoors they will be introduced to bird study through learning about John James Audubon, followed by a basic drawing lesson to aid them in their nature journaling efforts. Outdoors they will gain classification skills through direct observations during which they will practice proper equipment operation skills.
CollapseLearning Goals
This activity is designed for students to learn the following skills: classification, observation, field techniques and proper equipment operation.
Key Concepts:
magnification, observation, characteristics, Audubon, ornithologist
Key Concepts:
- Students will gain insight on how to identify birds through their physical characteristics.
- Students will learn proper techniques in using binoculars and being respectful of all equipment, including field guides and nature journals.
- Students will learn how to journal their observations through writing and drawing.
magnification, observation, characteristics, Audubon, ornithologist
Context for Use
Grades 3-5
Class Size 15-25
Indoor/Outdoor activities
Allow 2-3 science class periods to complete the lesson.
Materials/Equipment (Students):
Class Size 15-25
Indoor/Outdoor activities
Allow 2-3 science class periods to complete the lesson.
Materials/Equipment (Students):
- Class set of field guides
- Class set of binoculars
- Hand lenses (optional)
- Nature Journals
- Pencils
- Colored Pencils
- How to Draw Birds Book
- Large Paper
- The Boy Who Drew Birds
- Markers
- Audubon's Birds of America Coloring Book
- Variety of bird books set up in the classroom
- Variety of visual aids for student use
Description and Teaching Materials
Inquiry: I am thinking of a type of animal. This animal lived during the days of the dinosaurs. Once students have solved the riddle, present to them a picture of an archaeopteryx. Prompt students: What does the archaeopteryx have in common with the birds we see today?
Gather the students into a circle and read to them The Boy Who Drew Birds, A Story of John James Audubon. Discuss what he witnessed the birds used to make nests. Inquire what is important to know about John James Audubon.
On the board, demonstrate to the class how to draw a bird. (See "A Drawing Technique for Birds"). Have students attempt the drawing on their own in their nature journals. Remind them to take their time and to do their best work.
Introduce Audubon's Birds of America Coloring Book in which the illustrator redrew from John James Audubon's originals. Pass the book around so that students may see his colored drawings. Students may choose to color, trace, or try to recreate the copies provided when they have completed their daily work.
The class will participate in preparing a KWHL Chart.
Inquire what an ornithologist may use to observe birds. Pass out binoculars and field guides to students. Discuss proper handling of equipment and sharing procedures, if needed.
Bring the students outside to a place where they may observe birds. They will need to bring their journals and a pencil with them. Play "Nature Spy". How close can you get to the birds without disturbing them? How can you back out of the area without disturbing them? The students will use their field guides to try and identify the species of birds they see.
From there the teacher will guide the students in making a concept web of bird characteristics. (This may be done indoors or outdoors.) They will draw the web in their nature journals, as well.
Using the inquiry method, ask the students what characteristics would be important in order for a bird to take flight and why. You may choose to add this to the KWHL.
Upon return to the classroom, discuss procedures for properly putting away materials.
The lessons that would follow may include:
Make a class book using their drawings from their nature journals.
Gather the students into a circle and read to them The Boy Who Drew Birds, A Story of John James Audubon. Discuss what he witnessed the birds used to make nests. Inquire what is important to know about John James Audubon.
On the board, demonstrate to the class how to draw a bird. (See "A Drawing Technique for Birds"). Have students attempt the drawing on their own in their nature journals. Remind them to take their time and to do their best work.
Introduce Audubon's Birds of America Coloring Book in which the illustrator redrew from John James Audubon's originals. Pass the book around so that students may see his colored drawings. Students may choose to color, trace, or try to recreate the copies provided when they have completed their daily work.
The class will participate in preparing a KWHL Chart.
Inquire what an ornithologist may use to observe birds. Pass out binoculars and field guides to students. Discuss proper handling of equipment and sharing procedures, if needed.
Bring the students outside to a place where they may observe birds. They will need to bring their journals and a pencil with them. Play "Nature Spy". How close can you get to the birds without disturbing them? How can you back out of the area without disturbing them? The students will use their field guides to try and identify the species of birds they see.
From there the teacher will guide the students in making a concept web of bird characteristics. (This may be done indoors or outdoors.) They will draw the web in their nature journals, as well.
Using the inquiry method, ask the students what characteristics would be important in order for a bird to take flight and why. You may choose to add this to the KWHL.
Upon return to the classroom, discuss procedures for properly putting away materials.
The lessons that would follow may include:
- Beak and feet adaptations
- Constructing and installing bird feeders to monitor outside of the classroom window
- Comparing and contrasting different types of bird food and what different bird species prefer to eat
- Recognizing birds by their songs and calls
- Writing Bird Poems
- Identifying Bird Nests with an extension of students trying to build their own nests using outdoor materials
- Migration
- Flight Patterns
- Students make their own bird guide
Make a class book using their drawings from their nature journals.
Teaching Notes and Tips
Whenever you are bringing a group of students outdoors make sure to send a note home prior explaining that students will need to dress for the weather.
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Assessment
Assessment will be conducted through observation of individual participation, group work participation, and through entries in nature journals.
Standards
Science
4.IV.B.1 and B.2 - Diversity of Organisms
Language Arts
4.I.B.1 - Vocabulary Expansion
4.I.C.2 and C.10 - Comprehension
4.I.D.8 and D.10 - Literature
Arts
4.D.1a - Visual Arts (elements, including color, line, shape, form, texture, and space)
4.IV.B.1 and B.2 - Diversity of Organisms
Language Arts
4.I.B.1 - Vocabulary Expansion
4.I.C.2 and C.10 - Comprehension
4.I.D.8 and D.10 - Literature
Arts
4.D.1a - Visual Arts (elements, including color, line, shape, form, texture, and space)