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Get to Know Migratory Birds

Secondary, Elementary, Middle

Description

This resource invites students to consider the world of migratory birds, their capacity for long-distance travel, and their keen sense of home. These birds experience the challenges associated with deforestation, habitat loss, despeciation and human development firsthand. They navigate changing landscapes with grace and incredible consistency as many of them travel unimaginable distances to exploit diverse niches and increase their chance of survival. The resource explores ways humans can help steward the habitats of these migratory birds.

Students will:

  •  learn about different species of migratory birds and their unique gifts

  • explore Indigenous cultural connections to our winged neighbours

  • access texts and activities to strengthen vocabulary and understanding

  • reflect on what they have learned with scientific inquiry prompts and discussion questions

The resource is designed to spark students’ curious about nature and inspire action toward habitat stewardship and conservation. It also highlights connections to Indigenous cultures and stewardship, emphasizing the long standing relationships between Indigenous peoples and bird species, and encourages further engagement with local Elders.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Suitable for grades 4 – 10 this resource aligns with Science and Environmental Education curriculum outcomes. It supports inquiry-based learning by encouraging students to ask questions about why birds migrate, the challenges they face along their journeys, and how human actions affect their survival. The resource also highlights connections to Indigenous knowledge and stewardship, prompting respectful discussion about long-standing relationships between people and birds. As a result, it fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility toward bird conservation.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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      • Science
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        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
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        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
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        • Interactions and Ecosystems
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      • Environmental Science
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        • Environment and Outdoor Education: Environmental Investigations
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      • Technological Education
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        • WLD3020: Wildlife Protection & Stewardship
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        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
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        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
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        • Environmental Science 12: Sustainable land use is essential to meet the needs of a growing population
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        • Senior 2 Science: Dynamics of Ecosystems
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        • Biology: Conservation of Biodiversity
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        • Introduction to Environmental Science 120: Sustainable Development
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        • Science 1206: Sustainability of Ecosystems
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        • Biology 2201: Ecosystem Interactions and Population Dynamics
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        • Biology 30: Population and Community Dynamics
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        • Science 4: Habitats
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        • Biologie 30 :Population and Community Dynamics
  • Ontario
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        • Biology 12 (Univ. Prep.): Population Dynamics
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        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
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        • Science 431A: Life Science, Sustainability of Ecosystems
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        • Habitats and Communities
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        • Science 6: Life Science: Diversity of Living Things
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        • Science 7: Life Science: Interactions within Ecosystems
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        • Environmental Science 20: Integrative Nature of Environmental Science
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        • Wildlife Management 20: Overall Expectations
  • Yukon Territory
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        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 12: Sustainable land use is essential to meet the needs of a growing population

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (2)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Habitat Loss

Indigenous Knowledge (1)

  • TEK -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Land Use & Natural Resources (1)

  • Habitat Restoration