LP2birdsflight

Basic Goals and Objectives: Introduce children to the study of birds; familiarize
children with some common birds of Japan; introduce the basic concepts of flight.

Reference Materials Recommended (texts, workbooks, picture books,
maps, videos, websites, audio materials, etc.): Various books and magazines
focusing on birds are recommended such as About Birds, A Guide for Children by Cathryn
Sill (Scholastic) and Life on a Limb. The Japanese children's book Kagaku no Tomo:
Mijikana Tori no Zukan (February 2002) is highly recommended although the text is in
Japanese; it provides an excellent introduction to some birds commonly seen in Japan, and the
species names and text can be translated into English for use in class. Bird field guides such
as the Wild Bird Society's Birds of Japan and Kevin Short's Nature in Tokyo are
recommended. Also science books for kids such as Barron’s Science Wizardry for Kids by
Margaren Kenda and Phyllis S. Williams and Rocket Science by Jim Wiese.

Additional Notes, Suggestions or Comments about the Unit: A bird
watching day is essential, preferably in the early morning on a weekend; this day can become
a family day expedition with a picnic included. Spring is an ideal time for bird watching as
nest building activities are underway. Shrine and temple precincts with ponds and small
islands can be excellent locations for bird watching. Areas that have large wading birds like
egrets and herons are especially good for children.

Materials Required: A bird book or magazine for each family. A copy of an outline of a
bird with space for labeling the various parts: head, tail, wing, beak, legs.

Class Content and Activities:

Introduction to birds -- talk about what a bird is, talk about plans for bird watching.
Hand out About Birds book and read together. Look closely at pictures of many types
of bird species.
Hand out the outline of a bird and have children label the parts.
Add words to children's Word Books:

feather, weather; measure, treasure, pleasure

beak, weak, leak, seat, beat

Materials Required: Binoculars, bird books or bird field guides, clip board for each
child, pencil and eraser; (ground sheet and picnic foods optional). Prepare a chart ahead of
time on which children can list the birds seen and make brief notes about their appearance,
where found, etc.

Class Content and Activities:
Birdwatching!

Show pictures of species to look for in that area.
Review what a bird is.
Walk around and see how many bird species the group can identify; observe the
different behaviors and appearances of the birds. Discuss the types of birds seen:
wading birds, ducks, songbirds, birds of prey, shorebirds, etc.
Children search for birds, fill out a chart of birds seen and collect feathers for Week 3

Materials Required: Copies of a Bird and Flight crossword puzzle with words relating to
birds and flight (create and copy prior to class). Magnifying glasses, feathers, bird books, any
other bird items you have. Any examples of bird nests and bird eggs.

Class Content and Activities:

Do Bird and Flight crossword puzzle.
Show children’s birdwatching sketches.
Examine and explain contour and down feathers. Find quill and tiny hooks (barbs) on
contour feathers.
Float a feather in water; spread a feather with petroleum jelly and pour water over it.
See what happens.
Examine any sample nests and eggs.
Add words to word book: wings, feathers, flight, nest, preen, beak, egg, migration

Homework:
Presentation: Choose a bird that you would like to be. Learn about that bird species -- how
does it fly, what does it eat, where does it live, what kind of call does it make, who are its
enemies? Write notes about this bird, make a sketch or find a photo of that bird, and prepare
to teach the class about it Week 5.