Lesson Title: The Function of Bird Feathers
Subject(s): Science, Writing
Grade(s): 4
Standards
Science:
 NGSS.4-LS1-1.: Construct an argument that plants and animals have
internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth,
behavior, and reproduction.
 Montana Science Standards 3.1: Identify that plants and animals have
structures and systems that serve different functions for growth, survival,
and reproduction
Writing (Common Core):
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Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas
and information clearly.
With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including
the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and
collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding
skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting.
NETS:
 Creativity and Innovation
 Research and Information Fluency
 Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
 Technology Operations and Concepts
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson, students will create and
construct a product that identifies and explains the characteristics and functions
of a bird’s feather.
Instructional strategies to meet the needs of a diverse learning group:
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Peer tutoring
Students can read books on their instructional reading level about birds
and feathers.
A graphic organizer template with text written in Spanish.
Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) devices for hearing or
physically impaired students who need additional assistance.
Materials: Feathers from various birds, nonfiction books about birds, science
textbooks, magazines, encyclopedias, CD-ROM encyclopedias, and websites
Computer Functions:
1. Students will use the Internet to search for information, graphics, and
images of feathers.
2. Students will also use a graphic organizer program to:
 Create an outline
 Search, insert, and format text, graphics, images, and connecting
links and symbols
 Arrange and organize components of the graphic organizer
Specify Problem: Do all feathers on a bird have the same function?
Research and Analysis:
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Students will use the Internet and search websites to locate information
and images about feathers.
Students will create a written outline comparing and contrasting feathers
and their functions.
Students will select words and images to include in a graphic organizer
that explain each feather and its function.
Students will select graphics and images of feathers.
Analyze and evaluate each component in the graphic organizer.
Results Presentation:
Each student will create a graphic organizer and write a paragraph comparing
and contrasting the functions of each feather. (Students who have trouble with
the physical aspect of writing can create a digital audio recording of their
explanation of the graphic organizer.)
Planning Computer Activities:
Computer Lab: Students will work in groups of 3-4 to research the different types
of feathers and their functions.
Before Computer Use:
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Teacher reviews with class the definition of adaptations in animals and
has students identify some adaptations in animals.
Teacher introduces the problem and reviews problem-solving steps.
Teacher reviews the expectations of working collaboratively in a group.
Individual student activities:
 Review science textbooks and classroom and library books to learn about
feathers.
 Create a list or outline of ideas and possible graphics to use in a graphic
organizer.
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Sketch a draft copy of a graphic organizer to identify and compare and
contrast the functions of a feather.
During Computer Use:
The following computer tasks are divided among group members:
 Conduct Internet searches and CD-ROM encyclopedia searches.
 Paraphrase information and download graphics and images with proper
citation information
 Use information from books, textbooks, and websites to create a graphic
organizer outline of information.
 Create a graphic organizer using information in the outline and inserting
text and images to explain links.
 Organize and revise information in graphic organizer model to effectively
compare and contrast the functions of feathers.
After Computer Use:
Answer the following self-reflection “Think Sheets” questions:
1. Does the function of feathers change according to a bird’s habitat and its
climate?
2. How has the adaptation of feathers evolved over time?
3. What functions do you think feathers may have served in winged
dinosaurs?
4. What would happen if birds lost a feather during flight or swimming
through water?
5. Can a feather ever regain its function if it was injured?
Supporting/Extension Activities:
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Study the adaptations of beaks and feet of birds.
Compare and contrast different types of animal coverings (fur, scales,
skin, etc.)
Observe and record what types of birds live in their community.
Create a booklet on birds using a word-processing program to share with
others.
Create a Glog or wiki to display information about the functions of
feathers.
Create a multimedia presentation on the feathers.
Attend a zoo to observe different types of birds.
Assessment:
Create a rubric with student-input:
 Use of relevant text and images
 Meaningful connections between links in graphic organizer
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Appropriate use of graphics and images and symbols
Citations of text and images are appropriate
Paragraph explains the functions of feathers
Paragraph includes topic sentence, supporting details, and closing
sentence
Websites:
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http://askabiologist.asu.edu/content/23-functions-feathers
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/studying/feathers/feathers/document_view
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/studying/feathers/
http://www.ornithology.com/Lectures/Feathers.html
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/Page.aspx?pid=1189http://projectbeak.org/adaptations/feath
ers.htm
http://www.thewildclassroom.com/biodiversity/birds/aviantopics/feathersandPlumage.html
https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/sites/Wildlife/IDMasterNaturalist/Boise/Wildlife%20Articles/
Biological%20and%20Physiological%20Adaptations%20of%20Birds.pdf
http://planet.uwc.ac.za/nisl/biodiversity/loe/page_154.htm
http://birding.about.com/od/birdingbasics/a/howbirdskeepwarm.htm
http://www.birds.com/blog/waterproof-feathers-birds/ http://birds.audubon.org/birdid
http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/