Page 334 - Microsoft Word - LessonPlan-Overview.doc

Unit 18: Biology Part 1 Page 49 of 60

wing in the same way as the leg, and observe the same bones as the human
arm.

Activity: Go on a Feather Hunt

Having feathers is one of the most distinct features of birds. In fact, birds
are the only living group of animals that have feathers. Not all feathers are
the same however. Take a walk, find some feathers, and explore what they
do!

1. Find an area where birds are common. Go for a walk and collect as
many feathers from the ground as many as you can.
2. Classify the feathers into groups as shown below:
a. Wing Feathers – These feathers will be firm and strong and have
a hollow tube. The tube is light because it’s hollow, but also
strong. Wing feathers have more feather on one side of the tube
than the other. The side with more feather faces the body, so
you can determine if the feather was on the left or right side
b. Tail Feathers – These feathers will be as strong as wing feathers,

with the same hollow tube going down the center. Unlike wing
feathers, however, these feathers will have equal amounts of
feather on both sides of the tube
c. Body Feathers – These feathers will not be as strong wing or tail
feathers. They will be more flexible and colorful.
d. Down Feathers – These will be the softest, most flexible feathers
of all.

What’s Happening: Each feather looks different because it has a different

purpose. Wing and tail feathers assist in flying and gliding. Body feathers
give the bird color, which can help them in blending in for camouflage or
standing out to attract a mate. Down feathers provide insulation. They are
under the body feathers and keep heat in or out depending on the weather.

Activity: Birds and Colors

Birds respond to colors in different ways. Some colors make birds want to
come closer (attracts them) while other colors make birds want to stay away
(repels them.) Create a hypothesis about which colors birds prefer. Then
get set to do some bird watching to find out.

1. Go to an area (it could be your backyard or a nearby park) where you
see many birds.

© 2011 Supercharged Science www.ScienceLearningSpace.com

736