Bird Migration

While exploring outside you may see a variety of different birds. You may notice that in the winter there are some types of birds still around but others are not. You may wonder why some of those birds are gone and their nests are empty. This phenomenon will look for the patterns as to why this happens.

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Sioux County

Iowa Core Standard

K-LS1-1

Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive

Driving Question

Why do only some birds fly south in the winter?

Probing Questions

What do birds need to survive when temperatures get cold?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Participate in a game where they pretend to travel to different locations indicated by hula hoops in a classroom or on a playground to get food, water and rest just as birds do when they migrate.
View and eagle camera and observe what is in a bird nest or what is needed for a nest to provide for birds.
Work through the migration challenge from PBS Kids. It includes many different activities for students to do.

Resources

Cornell Lab | The Basics of Bird Migration | All about Birds: Gives information to why birds fly south in the winter.
National Audubon Society | Bird Migration Game: This website features an interactive game where students can pick a bird to learn about where it can be found and where it migrates to.
PBS LearningMedia | Science Trek: Bird Migration:This video segment from IdahoPTV's Science Trek explains why birds migrate south for the winter and the benefits of migrating back north in the Spring for the nesting season. Follow scientists and students as they catch, band and release birds at the Idaho Bird Observatory during their migration.
PBS Kids | Plum Landing: Migration Challenge: What challenges do birds face as they migrate through cities and towns in search of food, water, and shelter? Kids role-play migrating birds in three games.

Contributors

Submitted by Breanna Bonnema and Samantha Pollema.