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Feathers Lesson Plan

The lesson focuses on teaching students about bird anatomy by examining feathers. Students will learn to identify the parts of feathers and different types of feathers. They will understand how feathers evolved from scales and their various functions. Students will also learn about structural coloration in feathers from pigments versus true color. The purpose is to build students' background knowledge of feather characteristics to help them identify the 88 bird species native to Michigan.

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468 views3 pages

Feathers Lesson Plan

The lesson focuses on teaching students about bird anatomy by examining feathers. Students will learn to identify the parts of feathers and different types of feathers. They will understand how feathers evolved from scales and their various functions. Students will also learn about structural coloration in feathers from pigments versus true color. The purpose is to build students' background knowledge of feather characteristics to help them identify the 88 bird species native to Michigan.

Uploaded by

api-314423329
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Michigan Curriculum Framework Content Standards and Benchmarks:

MS-LS4-2 Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical


similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and
fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.
MS-LS4-3 Analyze displays of pictorial data to compare patterns of similarities in the
embryological development across multiple species to identify relationships not
evident in the fully formed anatomy.
MS-LS4-4 Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic
variations of traits in a population increase some individuals probability of surviving
and reproducing in a specific environment.

Unit Outcome:
The students will understand the differences between birds and other vertebrates,
as well as differences between individual birds, in order to show knowledge of 88
different birds native to Michigan.

Lesson Outcomes:
The learner will know the anatomy of a feather and apply it to the different types of feathers.
The learner will understand the evolution of the feather from a scale.
The learner will be able to explain why feathers are useful and the functions of the different
types of feathers.
The learner will decipher between structural and true pigment for coloration of birds feathers.
Rationale/Purpose for Lesson: The purpose of this lesson is to continue to create a structure of
bird characteristics for birds, so that when they are working to understand the different types of
birds, they will have the background knowledge of feather parts, pigmentations, and why they
exist.
Assessment:
The students will be informally assessed throughout the lesson with thumbs up and down
questions, prior knowledge questions, partner discussions, and quick hand raises as methods for
checking for understanding. A formal assessment will be given later in the unit.
Resources/Materials Required:
Packet
Pen
Projector
Different feather types
Procedures:

I will begin by looking for prior knowledge of feathers with a generalized statement, to assess
what kind of experience the students have with feathers.
I will then go through labeling the anatomy of the feather provided in the packet.
I will use the comparison of an inset map to looking closer into the parts of the feather
I will then pass out the different types of feathers and give the students about 15 minutes to look
at the different types and make observations about the characteristics that they see.
I will then ask about a down feather, without using the actual phrase, and have the students give
me their observations both about the feather and about the potential use for the feather.
I will then use the phrase down feather and have the students list the functions and
characteristics in the chart.
I will repeat this for each type of feather.
I will ask for thumbs up or down if the students think that anything should be added or taken
away from each category.
I will then ask the students why flight is important. They will have a chance to discuss with their
neighbor while I walk around listening for comprehension.
We will create a list to go in the packet.
We will then discuss that feathers comes from reptile scales and the theoretical processes for that
development
We will then talk about pigmentation and the students will tell me about the pigmentations in
different images of birds that I have preset in a slide show.
We will discuss the idea of cryptic coloration, mimicry, and disruptive patterning with birds
known for these characteristics.
Homework:
Study for the vocab quiz that will come from words from this lesson and the passed lesson
Closure
The students will complete the class period with discussing these different topics and recognizing
them in commonly seen bird near the area. They will have an opportunity to go outside and look
for feathers on the ground as well as birds in the air, discussing pigment types and pigment
phenomena.

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