Format
1. This program begins by outlining some common characteristics of birds.
2. Students then examine the different types of alcids and sea ducks living here at the Alaska SeaLife Center.
3. While observing the birds' morphologies and behaviors, we talk about how these birds are especially adapted to diving, fishing, and living in cold water.
4. Students review the lesson by creating their own colorful clay puffins with the instructor!
5. Time is provided for students to ask any additional questions, while watching the resident birds.
Objectives
Students will be able to:
• Describe the unique characteristics that make a bird a bird.
• Identify at least two species of seabirds that live in Alaska.
• Compare the bills of two different species of birds.
• Describe three adaptations that seabirds have to survive in cold seawater.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
The following National Academic Science Standards for grades K-3 are addressed within this program:
Science as Inquiry
• Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
• Understandings about scientific inquiry
Life science
• The characteristics of organisms
• Organisms and their environments