Virtual Nature School

Welcome to the Missouri River Bird Observatory’s Virtual Nature School! Our goal is to provide standards- based lessons tied specifically to Missouri ecosystems. These resources are built to be used in both in-person and virtual classroom settings. We hope these materials and resources will assist teachers in adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide new ways for students to learn about Missouri’s birds, their habitats, and other Missouri fauna and flora. Enjoy! If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at education@mrbo.org.

Grades 3-5

The project for teachers and students in grade levels 3-5 consists of what we call, “Weekly Webinars”. Each webinar discusses a certain topic related to birds that ties in to the Missouri Learning Standards and uses Missouri- specific examples when appropriate.

Currently we are offering the webinar recordings listed below for you to watch on your own and discuss with your class. After doing so, we would love to hear more about your experience.

We are aiming to make our LIVE virtual presentations and virtual Q&A sessions available soon.

If you would be interested in having a LIVE virtual presentation or Q&A session, please reach out to us at education@mrbo.org.

Webinars!

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 less well, and some cannot.

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.

Recording Time: 14 min. 16 sec.

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.

Recording Time: 17 min. 9 sec.

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 less well, and some cannot.

Recording Time: 18 min. 20 sec.

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.

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 less well, and some cannot.

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.

Recording Time: 21 min. 18 sec.

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.

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.

Recording Time: 13 min. 17 sec.

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 n surviving and finding mates.

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.

Recording Time: 37 min. 5 sec.

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:

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 less well, and some cannot.

Recording Time: 21 min. 18 sec.

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.

Recording Time: 14 min. and 33 sec.

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.

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 min. and 18 sec.

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.

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.

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 min. and 12 sec.

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 and argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior and plant reproduction.

5.LS1.A.1 – Compare and contrast the major organs and organ systems that perform similar functions for animals belonging to different vertebrate classes.

Recording Time: 16 min.

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 and argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior and plant reproduction.

5.LS1.A.1 – Compare and contrast the major organs and organ systems that perform similar functions for animals belonging to different vertebrate classes.

Recording Time: 14 min. 28 sec.

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 and argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior and plant reproduction.

5.LS1.A.1 – Compare and contrast the major organs and organ systems that perform similar functions for animals belonging to different vertebrate classes.

Recording Time: 15 min. 31 sec.

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 and argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior and plant reproduction.

5.LS1.A.1 – Compare and contrast the major organs and organ systems that perform similar functions for animals belonging to different vertebrate classes.

Recording Time: 14 min. 43 sec.

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 and argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior and plant reproduction.

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.

5.PS2.B.1 – Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by the Earth on objects is directed toward the planet’s center.

Recording Time: 12 min. 54 sec.

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 and argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior and plant reproduction.

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.

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 min. 42 sec.

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):  All of the above!

Recording Time: 12 min. 38 sec.

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.

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.

Recording Time: 21 min. 38 sec.

Grades 6-8

Our middle school resources consist of four units with five lessons each. Each lesson consists of an introductory video, a relevant activity that can be done both in the classroom and individually at home, additional video(s) to expand upon the lesson theme, and assessment materials. Each lesson is built around the Missouri Learning Standards and uses Missouri- specific examples for place-based learning.

Unit 1: Reproduction

This unit will explore the topics of natural selection, bird vocalizations, courtship rituals and mating displays, nesting, and how reproductive success is measured. Students will not only be able to construct explanations and interpret data, but also understand more about the ecology of birds and begin “thinking like a bird” in terms of habitat and resource needs.

Unit 2: Adaptation

This unit will explore both structural and behavioral adaptation by covering the topics of bird feathers, wings, beaks, bird language, and migration.

Unit 3: Ecosystems

In this unit students will explore how all species (including humans) within an ecosystem are connected and the actions of one can affect the survival of others. Students will learn what is required of a habitat, how to manage ecosystems to serve these habitat needs and how they can make a difference. Students will understand how scientists, land managers, individuals and communities can use science ideas to conserve birds and their habitats.

Unit 4: Urbanization

Environmental Science is defined as the dynamic, interdisciplinary study of the interaction of living and non-living parts of the environment, with special focus on the impact of humans on the environment. In this unit students will study environmental science and the effects of urbanization. Lesson topics include pollution, deforestation, invasive species, human-nature deficit disorder, and green spaces.