Birding Basics Lesson Plan

Grades: 5 - 8
Length of Program: 1 - 1 ½ hours
Time of Year: Spring, summer, fall
Preferred Adult/ Student Ratio: 1/5

Summary:

Your class can learn a great new skill while enjoying the great outdoors. The program begins with an introduction on how to identify birds by sight and sound. After a quick lesson on binocular use, they're off! This tour takes place in Horicon Marsh where they can practice what they learned on the area's residents and migrants.

Teacher Preparation:

None

Academic Standards Addressed:

Environmental Education
B1.8.3 Explain the importance of biodiversity

Special Instructions:

Please make sure students are dressed appropriately

Materials:

• Binoculars
• Bird Field Guides
• Bird Checklists
• Pencils

Procedure:

Explain the basics of bird identification by sight and sound to the class. Divide the class into groups of 3 - 4 students each. Give each group a pair of binoculars, field guide, checklist and pencil. Explain how to use the binoculars and have the students take turns trying them out. Take the class on a hike around the goose pond and through the woods, pointing out birds along the way and explaining their characteristics, adaptations and behaviors. Have the students look for the corresponding bird in their field guides and to keep track of them on their checklists

Wrap-up:

Review the different birds they found over the course of the hike and what habitats they were in. Discuss how the different species of birds each have their own niche and the importance of this in the overall ecosystem.

Contact Information

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
N7725 Hwy 28
Horicon, WI 53032
(920) 387-7860

Questions for Wildlife Management