Characteristics of Birds
There are two videos to choose from to learn about the characteristics of birds.
The first one is better for younger kids, the second one will appeal to older kids. Feel free to watch one, or both!
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to test your understanding by taking the quiz!
High school students or any student who wants to dig deeper, continue your study with one of the advanced learning projects located at the end of this learning block!
Take A Deeper Dive!
Hollow Bird Bones Adaptations for Flight
Characteristics of Birds
Top 10 Most Stunningly Beautiful Birds
Birds for Kids
What Makes a Bird ?
Activities
Bird Beak Experiment
Watch the video below. You learned that one characteristic of birds is that they have beaks. Try this experiment to investigate how different beaks may be suited for certain kinds of food. Record your results and add them to your portfolio.
Write a Paragraph
Pick one bird that lives near your home. Write a paragraph about the characteristics of birds using this bird as an example. You can use this printable research sheet from tempe.gov to organize the information you will need for your paragraph. Add your paragraph to your portfolio.
Create A Science Notebook Page
Based on what you learned about birds, create a page in your science notebook including the following:
Scientific Drawing
Include a drawing or picture of the characteristics of birds.
Vocabulary:
Pay attention to any new vocabulary you encounter in this lesson. Write down the new words and their definitions.
Questions:
Record any questions you have that remain unanswered. Take the time to research further and find the answers. Record those in your notebook.
Summary:
Write, or create a video recording, summarizing what you learned.
Keep your science notebook page for your portfolio.
Project
Birds Where You Live
This week, spend some time outside every day. Observe and record the birds in your environment. Try to identify the characteristics you have learned in each bird you observe. You can use this printable from notebookingfairy.com to record your observations.
Advanced Projects
Choose at least one.
Create A Powerpoint or Google Slides Presentation
Watch the video below to learn more. Use PowerPoint or Google Slides to create a presentation about the characteristics of birds. Think about each characteristic you learned about and why it’s important. Include examples of each in the presentation.
Include your presentation in your portfolio. Write a description and then provide a link.
Take Action
Watch the videos below to learn how the unique characteristics of birds are impacted by environmental changes.
How can you help birds in your community? Create a 3-5 minute video introducing your idea of how to protect and nourish bird habitats in your community and why it is important to do so. Encourage others to join you in your efforts. Things you might decide to do:
- Write your legislator about ways your community might create or contribute to healthy bird habitats
- Raise money for bird habitat preservation in your area
- Volunteer time or skills to create or care for bird habitats
- Raise awareness of the relationship between healthy bird habitats and healthy environments for humans
- Support an existing organization in your community who is doing good work in natural habitat preservation
- Organize a local or online event to educate your community about local birds, habitats, and environmental impacts
Include a summary of your project in your portfolio. Be sure to include any written or video content you created as well as a description of the project and your motivation.
Conduct A Bird Point Count
Watch the video below to learn how scientists do a bird point count. Pick a place near your home to do your own. You will need paper to record data, something to write with, a timer, and a watchful eye. Do a point count a few times throughout the week from the same spot. Keep the characteristics of birds in mind as you count. Do you see evidence of all the characteristics in your yard? Write a short summary of what you find. Add your data sheet and summary to your portfolio.
Books
