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John Muir: explore birds
Subject area: Sciences
Experiences and outcomes: SCN 2-01a
The aim of this lesson is to identify birdlife today and then compare your findings to the birdlife John Muir would have experienced when he lived in Dunbar, Scotland from the year 1838 to 1849.
Before you begin, ask your class to look through the John Muir graphic novel and read the section that describes John exploring nature in the first section of the book, The Wild Boy of Dunbar, up to page 23.
Explain to your class that history tells us that John Muir could identify up to 71 birds from their song, nest or egg.
Now print copies of the Explore Birds worksheet so your class can complete this activity.
Reflecting on learning
- Had learners considered how to identify birds before?
- Were learners aware of how many birds there used to be in Scotland compared to how many there are left today?
- How do they (and other people) take care of habitats to ensure birds are protected?
Learners can:
- Identify birds from their song, nest, eggs or appearance
- Use clues to help identify birds
- Demonstrate what they can do to help protect birds
Useful resources
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds(this link will open in a new window) provides more ideas and activities to use with this section of the John Muir story. This site includes links to wildlife explorer clubs as well as other educational resources.
The Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust(this link will open in a new window) has a great website with a section on different bird species.