Bird Notes

SUMMARY:	Become an ornithologist and make you own Bird Notebook about birds here in Southern California. This lesson is part of a series. Select this text to learn more about the series and how to extend its usefulness.
OBJECTIVES:	Students will learn more about the diversity of birds in this research and writing project.
SUBJECTS:	Science & Art
GRADES:	4-8
LENGTH:	Series

Background: Ornithology is the study of birds. One way ornithologists study different species of birds is by observation and careful note taking on bird behavior, appearance, and special adaptations.

Materials: Colored pencils, markers, unlined paper, and resource books from the local library or access to the internet.

How to:

1. Assign each student a bird to study. Explain that they are going to be ornithologists and that they will develop a bird notebook together as a class.
2. Provide books in the classroom, visit the library, or go on-line to have the students gather information about their birds.
3. Once each student has gathered enough information they can begin their page in the notebook. Have them draw a picture of their bird and write down the habitat, food, size, beak shape, and foot shape.
4. Put all of the pages together to make the Bird Book.