Explore lessons, activities, online websites, publications, suggested readings and more that help K-12 students engage with the phenomena of raptor migration. The resources below have been curated and created by educators from the Michigan Raptor Migration Teaching Network. Lesson ideas are included for elementary science and ELA, high school biology, physics and more! The goal will be to continue growing these resources to share as much content as possible.
Michigan non-formal educator Kathleen Dougherty curated a document with a collection of resources available to both formal and non-formal educators to help connect audiences to the wonders and magic of raptors. Resources are separated into various categories like ready to use curricula, useful websites, community science efforts, extended learning opportunities, identification tips, and raptor legends/lore. Click HERE to view the toolkit.
Example Lesson Plans
Lesson Title: Hawkwatcher 101: A 5E Model Lesson for Science and Social Studies
Lesson Overview: I developed a 5E and NGSS Model lesson cycle that is intended to engage students in multiple aspects of hawk watching and raptor research. My goal is to show teachers that there are many entry points for students to investigate hawk migration.
Lesson Title: Exploring Raptor Birds: Flight Styles, Behavior, and Habitats
Lesson Overview: Students will create a slide presentation to share important facts about raptors and raptor migration. Students will learn how to conduct web-based research, chart data, and present their research to families and 1st grade buddies. This lesson includes standards from reading, writing, math, and science.
Lesson Title: Raptor Migration Modeling Prompts
Lesson Overview: My lesson is part of a full semester energy unit. This lesson falls about ⅔ of the way through the semester, so students already have plenty of practice with their skills and a solid foundation to build on. By introducing the concepts of migration at this point, students are challenged to demonstrate deep understandings and make multiple connections.
Lesson Title: Raptor Adaptations related to Genetics and Ecology
Lesson Overview: My lessons support students to research different raptors and their adaptations during their Genetic Unit and then analyze migration data in the Great Lakes area during their Ecology Unit.
Questions? Please email Kara and Josh at miraptormigration@gmail.com
Learn more about Kara and Josh Haas by visiting their websites.
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