Birds

Class Description:

In this animal ecology class, the amazing diversity of birds will be studied with emphasis on field observation. Students will use binoculars, field guides, visit feeding stations, and play a migration game. Close-up looks at the birds are possible at the bird banding station and "Chickadee Landing."

Be sure to check the page featuring our live raptor program. All Wolf Ridge attendees will have the opportunity to experience this program, and those taking the birds class may visit the raptors during class (dependant on staff availability.)

Total time: 3 hours (2 hours outdoors)
Audience: 6-20 students, 4th grade through adult
Activity level: easy
Travel: 1/4 mile
Total uphill travel: 50 feet

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Birds class students will be able to:

Describe adaptations that make birds unique.

Demonstrate proficiency with a bird field guide.

Demonstrate good binocular and bird watching techniques.

Identify by sight or sound 6 or more birds found at Wolf Ridge.

Describe basic bird banding procedures.

List ways people can have a positive and negative impact on birds.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Birds class will provide students with guided practice, in an authentic setting, to support the following Graduations Standards. We have chosen one to three “major focus” standards per grade level. Due to the holistic nature of environmental education, several other standards, not listed here, are addressed as well.

Science Standard 6.2.5 Applies decision-making models to issues involving relationships among the individual, the society, the economy and the environment. (Declarative): Understands the concept of multiple perspectives. Understands the environmental implications of individual behavior at local, regional, and/or global levels. (Specification): Assessments must include a significant, complex environmental issue which involves the relationships among science, technology, economics and society.

Standard 6.G8.1 Understands the interactions and interdependence of components of living systems. (Declaratives): Understands components of natural systems, their structure, how they function, and their relationships within a system. Understands cycles within a system. Understands implications of interactions between human and living systems. Understands how human systems can be constructed to work in concert with living systems. (Procedurals): Given a problem situation involving a complex system: describe a potential problem reflecting an environmental concern and describe a potential problem caused by a breakdown within the complex system. Demonstrate basic safety procedures and skills when using tools and equipment. (Specifications): Students must be given opportunities to work in authentic settings. One aspect of the problem situation should address environmental concerns.

Standard 6.G5.1 Understands the components and relationships of living and non-living systems. (Declarative) Understands the concepts of organism and energy in plant, animal and other life forms. (Procedurals): Within simulated or real-world situations, models or systems: identify, describe and classify components on the basis of their properties and their energy relationships, describe interactions among components, describe interactions between two of the systems, demonstrate or explain how a change in one of the components would affect the system. Demonstrate examples of how personal behaviors and use of materials have a positive impact on the environment. (Specification): Assessments should be related to students' environment.

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• All living and non-living components of an environment interact with one another to form an ecosystem.
• Humans have a great ability to alter natural systems, and a responsibility to consider the effects of our actions.
• A complex natural system is more stable than a simple one, and more able to absorb disturbances.
• All living things acquire physical and behavioral adaptations to be successful in their environment.

Classroom Connections*

• Journal page download
• Pre-visit activities
• Post-visit activities
• Links to Bird information and activities on the web

*requires Wolf Ridge password