TOPIC: THE FEATHERS OF BIRDS
LEVEL: Beginner

"Different Colored Feathers"

[information | preparation | activity ]
SCIENCE CONCEPT:

Male and female birds often have different colored feathers.

STUDENT OBJECTIVE:

The students will be introduced to the concept that birds of the same type and species can have different colored feathers.

OVERVIEW:

Birds often have different colored feathers within the same type and species. Male and female birds often have different colored feathers. Male birds are usually more colorful since they vie for the attention of female birds. The female birds often have drab-colored feathers. This dull covering actually provides protection for the female and for her young.

TEACHER TEXT:

Finally, man's fascination with the shear beauty of the bird has long been an inspiration for him. He has written poetry, stories, songs, and myths. Birds have also become symbols for human values: the owl signifies wisdom, the dove peace, and the eagle political and military power. The bright, colorful feathers of birds have been used for centuries for ornamentation and clothing. Although man has observed birds for thousands of years, the scientific study of birds, called ornithology, did not begin until sometime in the 1700's. Using only direct observation, many physical characteristics of a bird are immediately apparent. The most noticeable feature of a bird is its feathers. Feathers are perfectly designed for their function. They are light but very strong, and they are flexible but very tough.



PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes

LESSON TIME: 25 minutes

TEACHER PREP:

Collect several pictures of male and female birds of the same species and types.
WORDS TO KNOW: MATERIALS NEEDED:
STEPS TO FOLLOW:

1. Show the students the variety of pictures you have of male and female birds within the same species. Talk together about how they are alike and how they are different.

2. Compare pictures of male and female birds within different species. Talk together about how they are alike and how they are different.

3, Ask each student to draw a picture on the construction paper or colored paper of their favorite male and female bird. Ask them to color the feathers as they see them in your pictures that you have shared with them.

4. Pin up the students' pictures of the birds on one bulletin board and label with the names of the birds.

5. As an extension ask the students to look for these birds that they have drawn in the air flying.

WHY?

A bird is a wondrous thing to watch! Every since recorded time, man has watched birds fly through the sky and marveled at the ease with which they accomplish this feat. They take off, fly with twists and turns, soar and dive, and land again on a tiny branch, all with effortless precision. The children will become more aware of their world as they view the pictures you provide of various birds.


ASSESSMENT: Can the student communicate what they observed?

4....Student is able to communicate 4 examples of male and female birds within different species.

3....Student is able to communicate 3 examples of male and female birds within different species.

2....Student is able to communicate 2 examples of male and female birds within different species.

1....Student is able to communicate 1 example of a male and female bird within one species.

Last modified: Mon Jul 7 19:36:29 PDT 1997