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Hummingbirds: Tiny But Tough

EcoSense for Living

Secondary, Middle

Description

This captivating video explroes how hummingbirds are incredible resilient and well adapted to survive in the wild, despite their small size. It provides a detailed look at the hummingbird biology, migration and conservation highlighting the remarkable physical features, feeding habits, and long-distance migrations that help these tiny birds thrive in their natural world. The video explains how hummingbirds fuel their high-energy lifestyle and fast metabolism by feeding on small insects and visiting hundreds of flowers each day. It also shows how these tiny birds navigate long journeys and adapt to changing environments, while facing challenges such as long-distance migration, habitat loss, and the need for reliable food sources. To better understand and protect hummingbirds, authorized banders use a banding program, which helps gather important information about their mouvements, survival, and the conditions they need to continue to thrive in a changing environment.

The resource provides supporting questions and after viewing suggestions to engage students with the video. An extension activity is also includes to take the learning one step further.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Suitable for grades 7-12, this video aligns with science, environmental studies and biology curricula and can be used as an inquiry based learning tool to explore animal adaptations, migration and conservation. After viewing, class discussions can focus on how banding helps researchers track migration, monitor populations, and inform conservation efforts. Extension activities may include analyzing sample data, researching additional animal tracking methods, or evaluating conservation strategies for migratory species, allowing students to apply scientific thinking and connect the video to real-world environmental issues. The International Hummingbird Society provides information to extend the learning.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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        • Science 7: Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.
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        • Environmental Science 11: Complex roles and relationships contribute to diversity of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
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        • Science for Citizens 11:Scientific processes and knowledge inform our decisions and impact our daily lives
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        • Specialized Science 12: Biodiversity is dependent on the complex interactions and processes between biotic and abiotic factors
        • Specialized Science 12: Climate change impacts biodiversity and ecosystem health

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (2)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity