Birds and Insects
Miss Laverty 2012
March 26th, 2012
Instructions
1. Please hand out the workbooks
2. Grab today’s handout
Today’s agenda
• Brain Storm
• How do birds fly?
• Flightless birds
• Research Project!
Brainstorm
• Table groups of 3
• Brainstorm how birds fly
• What are their special characteristics or
adaptations?
• Think about their wings, feathers, body size…
Wings
• The wings are connected to powerful chest
muscles
• They are curved outward (convex) on the top
and flat or slightly concave on the bottom
Feathers
• The feathers are hollow so
they are very lightweight
• They overlap each other to
make it more airtight
• Contour feathers cover the
body to make it
aerodynamic
Muscles
• Large pectoral muscles that generate lots of
power
Skeleton
• Bones are hollow or partially hollow making
them light but strong
Respiratory system
• The lungs are
connected to air
sacks that fill up
with air to provide a
large amount of
oxygen used during
flight
Why CAN’T they fly?
• Birds that can’t fly:
– Penguins, ostrich, emu
• Why?
– Dense bones
– Body weight
– Wing span
– Weak muscles
Diagrams
Penguin
Ostrich
Research Project
Your project should include:
• A clear diagram that shows how your bird or insect flies
– Labels indicating thrust, drag, lift and gravity/weight
– Labels pointing out specific adaptions
• 5 facts written facts in your own words about how the
bird flies and special adaptions it has for flight
• A list of at least 3 sources that you got your information
from (include the author, title, website...)
• A catchy title and attractive poster or artifact that looks
completely finished
Research Project
Birds
• Owl
• Hawk
• Eagle
• Sparrow
• Blue jay
• Robin
• Humming bird
• Crow
• Raven
• Magpie
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Canadian goose
Duck
Cardinal
Dove
Pelican
Seagull
Parrot
Toucan
Falcon
Flamingo
Insects
• Dragon fly
• House fly
• Butterfly
• Bee
• Lady bug
• Flying ant
Animals
• Bat
Diagram
Facts
3
2
1
Diagram is accurate and
detailed. All labels
included
Diagram is accurate but
missing some details.
Most Labels included
Diagram is incomplete.
Missing Labels
Includes at least 5
interesting facts. Well
written without errors
Includes less than 5 facts. Missing facts. Or there are
Only a few errors
facts but with many errors
Reference List
At least 3 sources are
listed and include the
author, title and website
Less than 3 sources listed
Finished
product
The finished product is
attractive and looks well
done. Includes a catchy
title
The product looks
The finished product looks
incomplete or is missing a
nice and a title is included
title
Presentation
skills
Ok speaking voice, not
Good speaking voice, eye
much eye contact and left
contact and informative.
out some information
No sources listed
Hard to hear or
understand, little eye
contact and missing
information
Total:
/15