Traveling Talons Teacher’s Kit

Flight Masters: The Science of Wings

Exploring the diversity of raptors and birds is an engaging way to connect students to nature and science. Our goal with this kit is to provide unique, multi-sensory learning opportunities with the use of our federally protected taxidermy specimens, or bio facts, while helping teachers meet their curriculum goals.

Taxidermy has aided scientific research for centuries. They present a wealth of opportunities to support learning in a wide range of different subjects. They also afford an excellent opportunity for students to learn in different ways, and to support groups of students with diverse educational needs.

Our rentable Traveling Talons Teacher’s Kit allows teachers and educators to borrow Ojai Raptor Center’s wings biofact collection to use with our STEM & NGSS-aligned lesson Flight Masters: The Science of Wings (2-6 classroom sessions). The lesson can be used however the teacher feels is most valuable to their student and can be simplified depending on the level of the group. Teachers are not required to use the lesson to rent this kit if they are interested in using the biofacts along with another lesson of their choice.

Flight Masters: The Science of Wings lesson allows for multiple learning styles to be simultaneously addressed. Students see the diversity and variation of animals, discuss their observations with the instructor and their peers, and are given the opportunity to handle specimens. For students with little outdoor experience, providing the opportunity to handle specimens of charismatic native raptor species that can be found locally, such as Red-tailed Hawks, Peregrine Falcons and Great Horned Owls, the activities include every student, even those with limited previous engagement with wildlife.

More About the Lesson & Activites:

• Wing Biofact Observation Activity -1-3 classroom sessions

  Students will examine wing specimens of various raptor species, examining how different wing shapes and structures impact flight. Through observation, measurement, inquiry, and scientific sketching, students will gain insights into the mechanics of bird flight. A Google slideshow is provided to facilitate post-lesson discussion.

  An optional math activity, Wingspan Estimation and You vs. Birds of Prey, is also included. This activity integrates concepts of measurement, averages, and mathematical comparisons.

  Standards Alignment

  NGSS3-PS-2

  NGSS4-PS3-3

  NGSSMS-ETS1

• Forces of Flight & Paper Airplane STEAM Challenge -1-3 classroom sessions

  Students will learn about the four forces of flight and understand the basic principles of how birds and airplanes fly. Students will learn how the design of an airplane mimics nature as they build and test their own paper airplanes. They will then learn to record measurements, analyze data and interpret the results of an experiment with a control plane and changing variables.  If engineering process sheet is used, students will gain an understanding of how engineers have a step by step approach for looking at and solving a problem called the design process. A Google slideshow is provided to facilitate post-lesson discussion.

  Standards Alignment

  NGSS3-PS-2

  NGSS4-PS3-3

  NGSSMS-ETS1

Important Note Regarding Federally Protected Taxidermy Specimens of Native Raptor Species

ORC has received permission from USFWS to lend out the federally protected specimens contained in our Traveling Talons Teacher’s Kits