Hooked on Feathers
classroom activity

SUMMARY: Explore the amazing construction of feathers through up close examination.

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 become familiar with feather construction.
SUBJECTS: Science
GRADES: 4-8
LENGTH: 1 - 2 hours

Background: Feathers have a unique construction of barbs and barbules that act like Velcro and hold the feather together. Birds groom and clean their feathers daily to lock together the barbules for a smooth flying surface. This activity is called preening.

Materials: Microscopes, flight or tail feathers, Velcro, paper, colored pencils or crayons.

How to:

  1. Set up microscopes at several different tables along with a feather and a piece of Velcro.
  2. Have the students compare and contrast the feathers and the Velcro under the microscope.
  3. Have the students draw a picture of what each looks like under the microscope and compare the drawings.


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