Curated OER
The Extinction of Dinosaurs
Students study the life and death of the dinosaur by building dioramas. In this dinosaur lesson, students research the extinct creatures, then build dinosaur dioramas. Afterward, the students engage in a discussion about the extinction...
Curated OER
For The Birds
Seventh graders list the features of an ecosystem and identify local bird species. In this bird lesson plan students work in groups to formulate a hypothesis and test their theory by collecting and analyzing data.
Curated OER
This One is for the Birds
Young scholars create a bird feeder to form their technological skills and create a better bond with nature. In this nature lesson plan, students use websites, technology, brainstorm ideas, and build models.
Curated OER
Bird Beaks
Students explore the relationship between a bird's beak and its ability to find food and survive in a given environment.
Curated OER
For the Birds Word Search
In this birds worksheet, students explore different kinds of birds and their characteristics. Students complete a word search by finding ten words.
Curated OER
Exploring Birds Internet Activity
In this birds worksheet, students click on the links in the questions about birds to find the answers to the questions and then come back and answer the questions. Students answer 16 questions total.
Curated OER
All About Birds
In this birds learning exercise, students click on the links in the questions about birds to find the answers to the questions and then come back and answer the questions. Students answer 7 questions total.
Curated OER
Develop a Bird Feeder Watch List
Students explore biology by identifying animals on their school ground. In this bird species lesson, students create and utilize a simple bird feeder to attract birds near their classroom at which point they observe the color, size and...
Curated OER
Count Down
Students are introduced to useing websites as a data source. Using bird population predictions, they test their predictions from various websites. They record, organize and graph the data and share their results with the class.
Curated OER
Birds of Wisconsin
First graders explore the job done by ornithologists. They role play identifying the characteristics that make a bird a bird. They discuss what makes each bird species unique. Students are introduced to Wisconsin's most common and rare...
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: How to Id Birds
This thorough site describes how you can identify birds by examining their silhouette, field marks, posture, size, flight pattern, and habitat.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: E Bird
A huge database is accumulating that can be used by educators and scientists to examine the status of bird populations in locations of their choosing. It is becoming a goldmine of information about bird biodiversity around the globe. All...
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: All About Birds
One of the great attractions of this site is the ability to listen to the birds. Each bird is categorized with a picture, description, its cry, conservation status and "Cool Facts." There are tips for attracting birds as well as...
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Sandhill Crane
An abundance of facts, pictures, and sounds of the Sandhill Crane are depicted on this complete site. Topics highlighted include: cool facts, description, range, habitat, food, reproduction, and conservation status.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Snowy Owl
Read the abbreviated description of the Snowy Owl and delve into a more detailed description of this bird if this information is insufficient. While reading about this interesting bird you can listen to the sounds of this species.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Nest Watch: Nest Monitoring Manual [Pdf]
NestWatch is a citizen science project where the average person can assist scientists in observing and cataloguing bird populations to track how successful they are at nesting and reproducing. This 36-page package provides information...
Other
Ornithology: Avian Development
A good page devoted to the development process of birds. Discusses the incubating process and the stages of development.
Other
Ornithology: The Evolution of Birds
Site provides a good overview of avian evolution debate without taking a firm stance on the dino-ancestry issue. Gives the broad ideas concerning bird origin and evolution.
Other
Ornithology: Bird Flight
Excellent coverage of the adaptations and actions of birds in regard to flight. Contains specific information, diagrams, and pictures.
Other
Ornithology.com: Foraging and Nutrition
A very good discussion of the nutrition and feeding habits of birds.
Other
Ornithology: Metabolism and Thermoregulation
A good site that discusses the rate at which a bird's metabolism functions and its effect on the body temperature of the animal.
Other
Ornithology: Avian Reproduction
Provides a good discussion of the reproductive behaviors and systems of birds. Contains information on everything from nests to incubation times.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Bird Feather Color
Yes, birds can see color and this site delves into pigmentation, color abnormalities, and structural colors of birds' feathers.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Feather Structure
This site provides a detailed explanation of the structure of bird feathers. Topics include feather topography, types of feathers, and feathers and flight.