Birds
Chapter 18 Section 3
6th Grade
Do Now…
Describe the steps of frog metamorphosis.
Objectives
Students will…
Identify the characteristics of birds
Describe the adaptations that birds have for
flight
Explain the function of feathers
Characteristics of Birds
1) Endothermic (warm blooded)
2) two wings
3) two legs
4) covered mostly with feathers
5) Bill or beak
6) Lay a hard-shelled egg
How Birds are Adapted for Flight
Strong, light skeleton
Tail vertebrate joined for stability
High-energy diet
Strong, efficient heart
Specialized lungs connected to air sacs
Functions of Feathers
Down Feathers (4 characteristics)
Contour Feathers (4 characteristics)
Trap warm air near body
Give birds streamlined shape
Under contour feathers of adults
Barbs branch off main body
Cover bodies of some young birds Colors attract males
Fluffy
Camouflage protects from predators
Three Reasons Why Birds Preen
1) To clean feathers
2) To organize feathers
3) To spread oil to keep skin soft and
prevent feathers from becoming brittle
Videos
Bird Evolution and Adaptations
Amazing Birds 1
For Next Time…
Complete Self Check Questions #1-3 pg. 544
Flying Paper Birds
6th Grade
Check Now…
Review Self Check Questions #1-3 pg. 544
Objectives
Students will…
Create paper airplanes that model
birds in flight
How Bird Wings Work
Flying Paper Birds
Types of Flight
Gliding-In gliding flight, a bird's wings deflect air downward, causing a lift
force that holds the bird up in the air. When a bird is gliding, it doesn't
have to do any work
Soaring-Soaring flight is a special kind of glide, in which the bird flies in a
rising air current. Because the air is rising, the bird can maintain its height
relative to the ground. (Vultures and Hawks)
Flapping-The wings flap with an up-and-down motion. When the wings
move up and down, they are also moving forward through the air along
with the rest of the bird.
Bird Paper Airplane Types
Follow Directions on Worksheets to create the following airplanes
1) Straw Flyer Airplane
2) Falcon Airplane
Begin completing activity worksheet with your lab group
Together as a team you will measure the distance and time of your
airplanes in flight
For Next Time…
Complete Reinforcement Worksheet on Birds
Bill Nye- Amphibians
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