DRAFT
CURRICULUM MATERIALS
Songbirds at the Crossroads of Migration is a comprehensive
curriculum guide that provides educators with information,
hands-on lessons, and opportunities to involve students in
learning about the importance of New Jersey’s habitats and
ecosystems as they relate to the needs of migratory songbirds.
The study of nocturnal songbird migration using radar data,
coupled with a Geographic Information System (GIS), and used to
identify critical stopover habitats for these birds, is
cutting-edge science. Using these technologies, researchers are
able to scientifically support conservation decisions. Using
the lessons and activities in Songbirds at the Crossroads of
Migration gives teachers and students an opportunity to learn
about the importance of New Jersey’s habitats and ecosystems to
migrating songbirds, as well as gives them opportunities to
discuss relevant environmental issues, individual behaviors, and
possible careers. It provides a means for students to
strengthen their language, reading, mathematical and social
studies skills. Comments and suggestions from classroom
teachers, non-formal educators, and professionals in the field
of songbird migration, ecology, and conservation helped
structure the learning experiences in the guide so that they
follow the accepted environmental education model that takes the
learner from awareness to action. All lessons are correlated to
the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards set forth by the New
Jersey Department of Education.
 NOTE:
Except for the Introduction, the following materials are
available in PDF format only.
After you download these PDF files, you should save them
on your hard drive for future use. (We have
indicated the file sizes to give you an idea of how long
each download will take.) You will need to have Adobe® Acrobat® Reader software installed
on your computer in order to download and view PDF files.
If you do not have this software, you may obtain a free copy of
it by
clicking here. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
New Jersey’s Natural Communities
A Migration Primer
What is a Songbird?
Songbird Significance
 SECTION TWO - LESSONS
 Chapter I - THE NEIGHBORHOOD
(146KB)
Songbirds, So What?
Look at Neighborhood Habitats: Be Aware of Your
Surroundings
Quality is Key: Conduct a Bird Bio-Index Survey
Chapter II – MIGRATION PRIMER
Lessons 1, 2 & 3 (337KB)
Seasonal Survey: Compare and Contrast Habitat Use
Why migrate?: Assess Resource Availability
Navigating the Sky: Plot a Course
Lesson
4 (124KB)
Seasonality in Migration: Learn to Predict Migration
Events.
Weather Maps Set 1
(735KB)
Weather Maps Set 2 (593KB)
Weather Maps Set 3 (717KB)
Weather Maps Set 4 (589KB)
Weather Maps Set 5 (1115KB)
Lesson
5 (526KB)
Birds Migrate 24 - 7: Interpret Research Data
Lesson 5 Radar Images
(519KB)
Lesson 5 Weather Maps (665KB)
Chapter III – OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES
(472KB)
Preparing for the Journey: Participate in simulated
scientific research
Ecological Barriers: Determine a species’ migratory
strategy
Obstacles: Identify issues and clarify values
Chapter IV – HABITAT IS KEY
(748KB)
The Choice Is Yours: Planning the future through land use
decisions
Rest Areas Along the Route: Identify key migration
stopovers sites
A Songbird Habitat Project: Getting Involved
A - New Jersey’s Songbirds
B - Field Trip Opportunities
C - Take Action
D - Songbird Conservation Organizations
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