Embedded Files
Module Overview
Migration is a pattern of behavior in which animals travel from one place to another in search of resources and is practiced across the biological world. For North American birds, Minnesota is part of a massive 'flyway' that sees millions of birds in the fall and spring as they travel between nesting and wintering sites.
Similar to their animal and insect relatives, humans have migrated from place to place since time immemorial, spreading cultures, languages, ideas, food, and unique ways of knowing to other spaces. This module will explore migration by focusing on human and bird migration stories of Minnesota. Lessons will first explore what makes a bird a 'bird', and also the importance of birds to human culture. Then lessons, will explore how and why birds migrate and dangers that birds face during migration. Lastly, students will learn to identify common birds in Minnesota and how to go birding with binoculars. The course will culminate with students taking a trip to a local park to go birdwatching.
Resources
PDF versions of student handouts are sorted by lesson and are available in the google folder linked below. If you would like an editable copy of a lesson, please contact Lucas Rapisarda at rapis008@umn.edu.
Teacher guides for each lesson can be found in the google folder linked below. Additionally, this folder contains a teacher toolbox that includes vocabulary flashcards and species cards that you can use throughout the curriculum module.
A PDF version of the full curriculum is also available for download here.
Image and video credits for the curriculum are also available here:
Culminating experience information
Urban Bird Collective
The Urban Bird Collective was founded in 2018 to support birdwatchers of all different skill levels in leading walks in our own neighborhoods. They work to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all communities to come out and explore birding and the outdoors. The Urban Bird Collective places emphasis on serving BIPOC and LGBTQ communities, recognizing the equity gap in access to outdoor spaces in the outdoors. They are passionate about birdwatching and environmental protection.
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