Missouri River Bird Observatory

Webinars

Week 1: Bird Beaks

This webinar is the perfect introduction to the diversity of the bird world as a bird’s beak is not only a tool they use for pretty much everything, but is also the first key feature to look for when identifying a species. In the webinar, we cover structural adaptation, generalists vs. specialists, and even a bit of evolution. All examples are birds that live in Missouri as we believe in place-based learning.

Key Terms: Adaptation, Generalist, Specialist, Beak/Bill, Identification

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 3.LS3.C.1   Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular ecosystem some Organisms -- based on structural adaptations or behaviors -- can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot. [Clarification Statement: Examples of evidence could include needs and characteristics of the Organisms and habitats involved. The Organisms and their habitat make up a system in which the parts depend on each other.]
• 4.LS1.A.1   Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and plant reproduction. [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include thorns, stems, roots, colored petals, heart, stomach, lung, brain, and skin.]

• Recording Time: 14:16   Watch

Week 2: Awesome Adaptations

Following bird beaks, this is a great refresher of what adaptation is and how it works. This webinar will also spark your students’ curiosity by covering the biggest, smallest, fastest, and longest-lived birds. This webinar not only covers the record holders, but also introduces amazing adaptations with a clear path to how they help the birds survive. The webinar concludes by defining structural adaptation and by introducing behavioral adaptation.

Key Terms: Structural Adaptation, Behavioral Adaptation, Trait, Biomimicry

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 4.LS1.A.1   Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and plant reproduction. [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include thorns, stems, roots, colored petals, heart, stomach, lung, brain, and skin.]

• Recording Time: 17:09   Watch

Week 3: Bird Migration

Now for behavioral adaptation. This webinar covers what migration is, why birds migrate, the types of migration, migration records and how birds navigate during migration. This webinar also includes eye-catching graphics using citizen science data to show bird distribution throughout the year. You and your students are sure to learn more about the phenomenon of bird migration.

Key Terms: Migration, Behavioral Adaptation, Citizen Science

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 3.LS3.C.1   Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular ecosystem some Organisms -- based on structural adaptations or behaviors -- can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot. [Clarification Statement: Examples of evidence could include needs and characteristics of the Organisms and habitats involved. The Organisms and their habitat make up a system in which the parts depend on each other.]

• Recording Time: 18:20   Watch

Week 4: Bird Communication

Bird communication, or bird language, is essential for avian survival. In this webinar students will learn about the two main types of bird vocalizations: songs and calls. We cover the difference between the two, their purposes, and how they each help the bird survive. This webinar features recordings of bird songs and calls from Missouri to encourage students to go outside and listen for the birds in their neighborhood. Also during the webinar questions are posed for class discussion and inquiry.

Key Terms: Verbal Communication, Songs, Calls, Behavioral Adaptation, Innate vs Learned

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 3.LS3.B.1   Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving and finding mates. [Clarification Statement: Examples of cause and effect relationships could be plants that have larger thorns than other plants may be less likely to be eaten by predators; and, animals that have better camouflage coloration than other animals may be more likely to survive and therefore more likely to leave offspring.]
• 3.LS3.C.1   Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular ecosystem some Organisms -- based on structural adaptations or behaviors -- can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot. [Clarification Statement: Examples of evidence could include needs and characteristics of the Organisms and habitats involved. The Organisms and their habitat make up a system in which the parts depend on each other.]
• 4.LS1.D.1   Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on System of information transfer.]

• Recording Time: 21:18   Watch

Week 5: What makes a bird, a bird?

This webinar finally gets to what makes a bird, a bird. There is nothing else in the world quite like feathers in their structure and functions. In this webinar we cover the seven broad types of feathers and the function of each to serve as an introduction to feathers. An additional feather knowledge resource is revealed at the end!

Key Terms: Feather, Structure, Function, Adaptation, Flight

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 3.LS3.B.1   Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving and finding mates. [Clarification Statement: Examples of cause and effect relationships could be plants that have larger thorns than other plants may be less likely to be eaten by predators; and, animals that have better camouflage coloration than other animals may be more likely to survive and therefore more likely to leave offspring.]
• 4.LS1.A.1   Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and plant reproduction. [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include thorns, stems, roots, colored petals, heart, stomach, lung, brain, and skin.]

• Recording Time: 13:17   Watch

Week 6: Marvelous in the Middle – Common but Awesome Birds in Missouri

A perfect way to sum up the series, this webinar showcases 12 birds that live in Missouri and are somewhat common if you go to the right habitat at the right time of year. These birds may not be the biggest, smallest, or fastest birds, but they have some awesome adaptations that deserve attention. You and your students we be engaged in learning about some truly neat local birds, while covering concepts touched on in previous webinars.

Key Terms: Habitat, Identification, Adaptation, Awesome, Local

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 3.LS3.B.1   Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving and finding mates. [Clarification Statement: Examples of cause and effect relationships could be plants that have larger thorns than other plants may be less likely to be eaten by predators; and, animals that have better camouflage coloration than other animals may be more likely to survive and therefore more likely to leave offspring.]
• 4.LS1.A.1   Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and plant reproduction. [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include thorns, stems, roots, colored petals, heart, stomach, lung, brain, and skin.]

• Recording Time: 37:05   Watch

BONUS! Bird Evolution: A Brief Overview

During the pilot run of this webinar series, students became highly interested in the phrase, “Birds are modern-day dinosaurs.” This webinar gives a brief history of evolution and the geology of the earth to help explain that phrase. This webinar does not fit into the flow of the other webinars as nicely, but it is interesting, nonetheless. If your students love dinosaurs and geological history, this bonus webinar is worth checking out. However, we recommend pairing it with other materials and resources. Links below.

Additional Resources:

• National Geographic, Are Birds Modern- Day Dinosaurs? (https://youtu.be/eaWb0UUNc00)
• Natural History Museum, Why are birds the only surviving dinosaurs? (https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/why-are-birds-the-only-surviving-dinosaurs.html)

Key Terms: Evolution, Multi-cellular Organisms, Extinction, Mass Extinction, Dinosaur

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 3.LS3.C.1   Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular ecosystem some Organisms -- based on structural adaptations or behaviors -- can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot. [Clarification Statement: Examples of evidence could include needs and characteristics of the Organisms and habitats involved. The Organisms and their habitat make up a system in which the parts depend on each other.]

• Recording Time: 21:18   Watch

Week 7: Woodpeckers!

Woodpeckers are a fascinating group of birds due to their unique adaptations. They are truly built like no other to be able to be the carpenters they are. Find out how in this week’s webinar. This program ties together concepts of the previous webinars to not only be a refresher, but also connect concepts together.

Key Terms: Adaptation, Communication, Structure, Function, Life History

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 3.LS3.C.1   Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular ecosystem some Organisms -- based on structural adaptations or behaviors -- can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot. [Clarification Statement: Examples of evidence could include needs and characteristics of the Organisms and habitats involved. The Organisms and their habitat make up a system in which the parts depend on each other.]

• Recording Time: 14:33   Watch

Week 8: Have to Have a Habitat

It is time to talk about habitat! In this webinar we will explore the essential components of a habitat and why those things are essential for survival. Your students will get a brief look at what conservationist do every day when protecting a species and trying to bring back populations those that are endangered.

Key Terms: Habitat, Conservation

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 3.LS3.C.1   Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular ecosystem some Organisms -- based on structural adaptations or behaviors -- can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot. [Clarification Statement: Examples of evidence could include needs and characteristics of the Organisms and habitats involved. The Organisms and their habitat make up a system in which the parts depend on each other.]
• 5.ESS3.C.1   Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.

• Recording Time: 12:18   Watch

Week 9: The Nesting Cycle

Are you curious about nests? In this webinar we explore why make a nest, the different types of nests, the stages of the nesting cycle and real-world applications of this nesting knowledge. Your students will not only better understand the breeding cycle of birds, but also understand how this information can be used to protect the environment.

Key Terms: Breeding, Nest Cycle, Research and Management

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 3.LS1.B.1   Develop a model to compare and contrast observations on the life cycle of different plants and animals. [Clarification Statement: Changes Organisms go through during their life form a pattern.]
• 3.LS3.C.1   Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular ecosystem some Organisms -- based on structural adaptations or behaviors -- can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot. [Clarification Statement: Examples of evidence could include needs and characteristics of the Organisms and habitats involved. The Organisms and their habitat make up a system in which the parts depend on each other.]
• 5.ESS3.C.1   Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.

• Recording Time: 20:12   Watch

Week 10: Avian Digestive System

We need food to fuel our bodies for energy, growth and repair. Birds function in the same way. In this webinar we will explore the similarities and differences between human and avian digestive systems to learn more about ourselves and about birds.

Key Terms: Organ, Organ System, Gland, Energy, Nutrient Absorption

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 4.LS1.A.1   Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and plant reproduction. [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include thorns, stems, roots, colored petals, heart, stomach, lung, brain, and skin.]
• 5.LS1.A.1   Compare and contrast the major organs/organ System (e.g. support, reproductive, digestive, transport/circulatory, excretory, response) that perform similar functions for animals belonging to different vertebrate classes.

• Recording Time: 16:00   Watch

Week 11: The Avian Musculoskeletal System

A bird’s skeleton and muscular system are similar to yours in many ways, but they also have some important and useful differences. Join us for this webinar to further explain how a bird’s organ systems make them built for flight.

Key Terms: Skeleton, Bones, Muscles, Keel, Furcula, Vertebrae

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 4.LS1.A.1   Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and plant reproduction. [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include thorns, stems, roots, colored petals, heart, stomach, lung, brain, and skin.]
• 5.LS1.A.1   Compare and contrast the major organs/organ System (e.g. support, reproductive, digestive, transport/circulatory, excretory, response) that perform similar functions for animals belonging to different vertebrate classes.

• Recording Time: 14:28   Watch

Week 12: The Avian Respiratory System

The most fascinating organ system of all! At least to us bird nerds. The avian respiratory system is built for birds to have a near constant state of oxygen entering the body. Learn more about how a bird’s respiratory system is at max efficiency and how it compares with our own in this webinar.

Key Terms: Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Gas Exchange, Lungs, Bronchi

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 4.LS1.A.1   Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and plant reproduction. [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include thorns, stems, roots, colored petals, heart, stomach, lung, brain, and skin.]
• 5.LS1.A.1   Compare and contrast the major organs/organ System (e.g. support, reproductive, digestive, transport/circulatory, excretory, response) that perform similar functions for animals belonging to different vertebrate classes.

• Recording Time: 15:31   Watch

Week 13: The Avian Circulatory System

The circulatory system of birds? It turns out that the circulatory system of birds and that of mammals works in very similar ways with only a few differences. Check out this webinar to learn what we have in common, but also how birds have large hearts that are slightly more efficient.

Key Terms: Oxygen, Heart, Blood Vessels, Arteries, Veins, Capillaries, Heart Rate, Cardiac Output

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 4.LS1.A.1   Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and plant reproduction. [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include thorns, stems, roots, colored petals, heart, stomach, lung, brain, and skin.]
• 5.LS1.A.1   Compare and contrast the major organs/organ System (e.g. support, reproductive, digestive, transport/circulatory, excretory, response) that perform similar functions for animals belonging to different vertebrate classes.

• Recording Time: 14:43   Watch

Week 14: Bird Flight

Ever since there were people, people have watched birds fly and wondered how they did it, wondering also if they too could fly. In this webinar we bring together all the awesome adaptations we have learned about birds and connect how they enable them to take flight. We also cover the physics of flight and some examples of amazing fliers.

Key Terms: Lift, Gravity, Weight, Thrust, Drag, Airfoil

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 4.LS1.A.1   Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and plant reproduction. [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include thorns, stems, roots, colored petals, heart, stomach, lung, brain, and skin.]
• 4.PS2.A.2   Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. [Clarification Statement: Examples could include an unbalanced force on one side of a ball can make it start moving; and, balanced forces pushing on a box from both sides will not produce any motion at all.]
• 5.PS2.B.1   Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed toward the planet's center. [Clarification Statement: “Down” is a local description of the direction that points toward the center of the spherical Earth.]

• Recording Time: 12:54   Watch

Week 15: Bird Vision

What does the world look like to birds? It turns out the colors we see might look completely different to a bird! In this webinar, Paige covers how birds have the ability to see in Ultraviolet light. She covers what this means, how it works, how birds use this ability, and how scientists discovered it.

Key Terms: Electromagnetic spectrum, Visible Light Spectrum, wavelength, Ultraviolet (UV), Retina, Rod and Cone cells, bird-friendly glass

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 4.LS1.A.1   Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and plant reproduction. [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include thorns, stems, roots, colored petals, heart, stomach, lung, brain, and skin.]
• 4.LS1.D.1   Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on System of information transfer.]
• 5.ESS3.C.1   Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
• 5.PS4.A.1   Develop a model to describe that objects can be seen only when light is reflected off them or when they produce their own light.

• Recording Time: 15:42   Watch

Week 16: Birds Are Awesome Overview

Time to revisit all that we have learned! Join Paige in this last webinar to discover how much you and your students learned over the 15 weeks of webinars (plus bonus webinars if you watched those;). Birds are awesome.

Key Terms: All of the above!

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• Recording Time: 12:38   Watch

BONUS! Avian Intelligence

Forget the old saying about bird brains because birds are intelligent. They’re capable of navigating thousands of miles during biannual migrations, using tools to better access their food, and even counting from left to right. Some professors define intelligence as the ability to solve novel problems, and at least some birds have the knack—heck, crows’ reasoning skills might even be on par with those of a 7-year-old child. Check out this bonus webinar to learn more about avian intelligence and how scientists study it!

Key Terms: Cognitive Ornithology, Intelligence, Scientific Study, Problem-solving vs Trial and Error, Analogous Learning

Missouri Learning Standard(s):

• 3.LS3.C.1   Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular ecosystem some Organisms -- based on structural adaptations or behaviors -- can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot. [Clarification Statement: Examples of evidence could include needs and characteristics of the Organisms and habitats involved. The Organisms and their habitat make up a system in which the parts depend on each other.]
• 4.LS1.D.1   Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on System of information transfer.]

• Recording Time: 21:38   Watch