Hubbard Brook scientists have been studying birds continuously at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest since 1969, compiling one of the most detailed studies of Neotropical migratory birds in North America. This represents two significant resources for educators: first, a large body of knowledge detailing the population ecology and life histories of many migratory bird species, and second, a variety of examples of how researchers ask questions and the methods used to pursue the answers. With increased curricular emphasis on inquiry in today’s classroom, we’ve developed lessons that combine information about local migratory bird species with the methods scientists use to study them. This effort has resulted in a set of Migratory Bird Science and Math Lessons, which includes nine science and math lessons for grades 7 through 12; slide shows that explore Neotropical migratory birds and the methods used to study them; and additional resources for teachers, students, and parents. It is our hope that this resource will generate interest in ecology as well as support students’ development in science inquiry skills.
The nine lessons offered below are not presented in any strict order, but generally progress from basic to advanced. Science lessons are listed first and math lessons listed second; some lessons are appropriate across the two disciplines. Teachers need not follow lessons sequentially and can select the lessons that best match their classroom objectives. The lessons are categorized into the one of the following three skill levels:
Basic: Most likely appropriate for middle school or non-college prep courses.
Average: Most likely appropriate for advanced middle school or college-bound high school courses.
Advanced: Most likely appropriate for college-bound high school courses.
All lessons include a link to the grades 8 and 11 New Hampshire Science and/or Math Frameworks that are aligned with each lesson.
Slideshows
The three slideshows offered below are referred to in some of the lessons and are excellent resources that you might use to further explore migratory birds. Each is presented as a PDF file and should be viewed in Full Screen Mode.
Lessons
Lesson One: Getting to Know You
Classes appropriate for: Life Science, Biology, Environmental Science
Lesson Two: Birds Fly from Here to Where?
Classes appropriate for: Life Science, Biology, Environmental Science
Lesson Three: Hunt and Peck
Classes appropriate for: Life Science, Biology, Environmental Science
Lesson Four: Message in a Song
Classes appropriate for: Biology, Environmental Science
Lesson Five: Bye-bye Birdie
Classes appropriate for: Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology
Lesson Six: Migration Math
Classes appropriate for: Middle School Math
Lesson Seven: Finding Food in the Forest
Classes appropriate for: Middle School Math
Lesson Eight: Calorie Counting is for the Birds
Classes appropriate for: Middle School Math
Lesson Nine: Energy Expenditures
Classes appropriate for: High School Algebra
Additional Resources
Alignment of New Hampshire Frameworks with Lessons
Educational Materials for Teachers
Ecology Module; What Limits the Reproductive Success of Migratory Birds?
Citizen Science and Service-Learning Projects
Acknowledgements
The Migratory Bird Science and Math Lessons were developed in partnership between the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation and the USDA Forest Service/Northern Research Station. Funding was also provided by the Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Networks Schoolyard Program. The lessons were developed by Jackie Wilson (HBRF), with helpful input from Sarah Turtle and Jessica Halm. The content of the lessons and slide shows reflect the views of the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, which is responsible for the facts and accuracy of the information presented herein.
We are grateful for the inspiration, research and assistance of Richard T. Holmes, who has been a lead investigator at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest since the inception of its avian research program in 1969. We also wish to thank and acknowledge the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and two of its staff: Mary Deinlein, Education Specialist, who developed Bridging the Americas/Unidos por las Aves, a cross-cultural environmental education program that links elementary school classes in the US with classes in Latin America and the Caribbean, and Scott Sillett, avian scientist, who introduced HBRF staff to the Bridging the Americas curriculum. Our work with the Bridging the Americas program served as the catalyst for this guide.
We were fortunate to have the assistance of many supportive scientists as we developed this guide. The contributions of the following researchers to the content include: Matt Betts (Oregon State University), Bill DeLuca (UMass at Amherst), Richard Holmes (Professor Emeritus, Dartmouth College), Pamela Hunt (NH Fish and Wildlife), Katie Langin (Colorado State University), Peter Marra (SMBC), Len Reitsma, (Plymouth State University), Chris Rimmer (Vermont Center for Ecostudies), Nick Rodenhouse (Wellesley College), W. Scott Schwenk (University of Vermont), Scott Sillett (Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center) and Helen Sofaer (Colorado State University).
We also wish to thank the following for their input and contributions: Amey Bailey, Scott Bailey, Richard Baker, Melissa Bowlin, Susan Bradfield, Natalie Cleavitt, Diane Daniels, Sarah Garlick, Jessica Halm, Donni Hughes, Chris Matlack, Mary Ann McGarry, Sara Joncas, Michelle Jutras, Gail Poitrast, Sara Sanborn, Karen Sturges, Patricia Sturges, Sheryl Sturges, Sarah Thorne, Dave Webster, Geoff Wilson, and Will Yandik.
Finally, we are appreciative for the generous permission given by the following people and organizations for use of their work and materials: The Boston Globe correspondent Billy Baker, the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, the Harcourt Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, the New Scientist Magazine, Raintree Nutrition, the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, and avian photographer Robert Royse, whose photos appear on this page.