Science ? Learning About Migration

Summary
The lesson is designed to extend the children?s knowledge of migration. The reading can be used in a paired reading session or as part of a class discussion.

Objectives
• The children will be able to understand and discuss the reasons why some birds migrate.

• The children will be able to explain some of the ways in which birds find their way.

Suggested Grades
3rd Grade

Excerpt
Most migratory birds migrate seasonally. When the weather starts getting cold and it becomes more difficult to find food, or open water, many northern birds fly south. They return in spring and summer to breed. If you live quite far north, you will know that the first spring visitors to our gardens are usually the robins and the starlings. Although individuals of these species sometimes spend the winter with us and enjoy any tidbits we put out to see them through the cold weather.

Birds can usually tolerate cold temperatures as long as there is food available. That is why some birds, like the chickadees, which change from eating insects to eating seeds in winter, don?t have to migrate.

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