Flight Feather Functions

SCIENCE CONCEPT:

The structure of a feather determines its function.

STUDENT OBJECTIVE:

The student will demonstrate and observe the natural movement of the feather in response to air pressure.

OVERVIEW:

The student will move 2 feathers (1 tail, 1 flight) in an up-and-down motion and compare the movement and angles of both.

PREPARATION TIME:

10 minutes.

LESSON TIME:

30 minutes.

TEACHER PREP:

gather materials

WORDS TO KNOW:

feather

tail

loosely

move

up

wing

vane

shaft

barb

quickly

twist

TEACHER TEXT:

Considered the earliest true bird, the archaeopteryx (Greek for ancient winged one) lived about 150 million years ago. It had flight feathers capable of flight, but many scientists believe it may have only been able to glide or parachute from high branches. Today, birds are found in all sizes and shapes and live in all parts of the world. They have been studied by man for hundreds of years in an effort to learn how to fly.

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Last modified: Sat Nov 15 19:04:46 PST 1997