Gobble, Gobble
Overview
Grade: 1st
Topic: Life Science
Standard: 1.LS.1 Living things have basic needs, which are met by obtaining materials from the physical environment.
Students will learn about Wild Turkeys; what they eat, where they live, and how they communicate.
Format
Gobble, Gobble video presentation (5:48)
Activity- create a turkey call
Extensions
Materials
• cups of differing size and material (coffee K-pods and small Play-Doh containers work well) with 2 small pin holes in bottom - 1 per student
• strong thread (not yarn) - enough for two, 12 inch long pieces per student.
Lesson
Watch the Gobble, Gobble presentation (5:48)
(Prezi Video presentation can be shared directly into Google Classroom)
*Option for teachers- Instead of viewing the recorded presentation, you can choose to present this power point to your students yourself during class. Here is the PPTX with presenter notes to download for use. (Can also be opened with Google slides)
Activity
After students learn fun facts about wild turkeys, they make their own turkey call. The wild turkey can make over 12 different calls. From the gobble to the cluck, the sounds of the wild turkey let you know exactly what they are doing.
Some of the most common turkey calls include: (hear recordings at https://www.nwtf.org/hunt/wild-turkey-basics/turkey-sounds)
• Tree Call – This call is typically made from the tree roost first thing in the morning, as if to tell other members of the flock “Good Morning"
• Gobble – This call is made primarily by male turkeys in the spring to attract female turkeys for mating.
• Putt – This is a short, one-syllabled alarm call. When used in a series, it indicates that the turkey has seen or heard danger.
• Cluck – This call is usually in a series of short, soft notes. It is used to get the attention of another turkey.
• Purr – A soft, rolling call, the purr is often made by content turkeys mainly when they are feeding.
• Assembly Call – This call is usually made by the adult hen when calling her young poults.
Extensions
Reading These readings are free with registration on ReadWorks, a nonprofit that provides Common-Core-aligned readings. All readings include comprehension questions.
What is a Bird? - Reading about birds and a question set
The American Bird - Benjamin Franklin was in support of the wild turkey being the national bird, but we all know that the bald eagle ultimately became that national symbol. Read about the bald eagle and answer a question set.
Websites
• National Wild Turkey Federation: Wild Turkey Sounds https://www.nwtf.org/hunt/wild-turkey-basics/turkey-sounds
• Environmental Education for Kids (EEK!): Wild Turkey Hunting www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/nature/trkyhunt.htm#call
• Wild Facts About Wild Turkeys https://www.fws.gov/refuges/features/WildFacts.html
Questions? Please contact your county SWCD educator