Observing Flat Birds and other Fun Birding Activities for K-12 Students.
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Catherine E. Matthews, Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: A flat bird is a life-size, color cutout of a bird. Beginning bird watchers should initially study common species of birds that live in their local parks and backyards, and then they can create a set of flat birds ... There are a variety of reasons why it is helpful to use flat birds in bird study. John Connors first developed the idea of using cutouts of birds when a beginning bird-watching class for children at an after-school nature program had been scheduled and then rain was predicted at the particular time. The program would have been a washout or worse! John woke in the middle of the night with the brainstorm: "Start 'em on Flat Birds! Flat birds can be used inside or out!" John next designed a bird-watching course to be held inside the community center. He placed a picture of a Carolina wren skulking among the potted plants, a screech owl peering down from atop the hamster cage, and a goldfinch perched on the bird feeder outside the picture window. The children loved the arrangement and so did John. He found it was an excellent way to introduce field observation skills, using birds that looked real but did not move. In addition, placing flat birds in appropriate positions outdoors helped introduce the students to habitat diversity.
Observing Flat Birds and other Fun Birding Activities for K-12 Students.
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Created on 1/1/2002
Views: 3135
Additional Information
- Publication
- Science Activities, 39 (2), 13 - 17
- Language: English
- Date: 2002
- Keywords
- Science teaching, Biodiversity, Flat birds, Field observation, Habitat