During our scheduled library time last week, I showed two movies from BrainPop on migration and hibernation. On the pre-test, a good many students confused the two concepts. We talked about neo-tropical migrants and the difficulties and hazards of long-distance migration. Afterwards, the classes worked again on their field guides.
The science lab this week was a whole class activity in the computer lab. We first worked through the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center's on-line migration quiz. Every right answer would bring Wanda the Wood Thrush closer to her home in Maryland. This would be a great activity after reading Flute's Journey: the Story of a Wood Thrush by Lynne Cherry. Following the quiz, the class played Mission Migration by Audubon New York. Mission Migration is a game in which the student chooses a species and help its flock maneuver around obstacles and past hazards. The students became very engrossed in getting their flocks north safely.
The lab ended with a brainstorming session on the role humans can play in helping protect birds, particularly migrants. It was apparent that the children had learned alot from the games. We worked up about 12 slogans that they will use on posters. Cats Indoors, Bell Your Cat, Prevent Window Strikes, Be Careful with Pesticides, Clean Your Feeders, Stop Global Warming, Learn About Birds, and Support Bird Conservation Organizations were some of the poster ideas.
No comments:
Post a Comment