Detailed activity guide and available options. 00 Eng. Activity Plan_W

1. It is recommended to start the activity by recalling the meaning of wildlife (non-domestic) and native fauna (from a specific place, or from different places in the case of migratory animals). 5′.

2. Presentation on migratory birds. Educational quiz to do in teams. 20′ . 01 Eng. Migrations_W

3. Learn about bird tracking devices with the video and explanations, 10′. (For people with intellectual disabilities, we will take this section to session nº 2.)

4. Game to get to know the birds involved in the project. 15-20′. 2 levels:

  • Basic level: drawing and guessing game of the species or taboo game.  02 Eng. Drawing-Taboo_W
  • Advanced level: mathematical logic game to learn about their characteristics.   02 Eng. Logic_W

5. Teachers can consult the characteristics of the 12 migratory routes and select the main bird: 05_Eng.InfoRoutes

Why STEAM? This is a multidisciplinary activity, which integrates various contents: scientific data on birds; technology used for monitoring wildlife; creative engineering to learn about environmental hazards encountered by birds such as wind turbines and electrical towers; the development of artistic activities through literary creations, podcasts, maps or painting; the use of mathematics for calculations, measurements, velocities, lengths and proportions.

Choose the STEAM activity. Three choices:

2.1. Option A: Electrocution- Basic. Construction of a model of a pylon using a basic electrical circuit to show the hazard of electrocution.

Recommended for the youngest or those who have never done an electric circuit before. (Minimun 45 mins). Educational resources:

  • How does bird electrocution happen, one of the greatest environmental dangers for conservation? We will find out with this 1-minute video.
  • Demonstration video on how to build a model to show electrocution.

2.2 Option B: Electrocution- Advanced. Design and construction of a model of a pylon that meets 3 challenges: to be stable and resistant; to be functional with the correct use of conductive and non-conductive materials; to be safe for birds minimizing the risk of electrocution.

Recommended for participants age 11+ (Minimun 30 mins). Educational resources::

  • How does bird electrocution happen, one of the greatest environmental dangers for conservation? We will find out with this 1-minute video.

2.3. Option C: Tracking of birds of prey movements activity. Data analysis and reproduction of movement patterns. Conservation applications: landfills, toxic waste, wind turbines and electrocutions.

Recommended for groups that require a more physical activity. Also suitable for people with intellectual disabilities. ( 30 mins)

Resources:

  • Assessing the danger of wind turbines.

Instructions on how to make a model of a wind turbine, learn about the problems and calculate the speed and dimensions of the blades. Includes “Quixotes”          a short documentary about the death of birds caused by wind turbines. 08 Eng. Wind Turbines_W

  • Bird tracking: photos of devices and technology used; real tracking maps; applications for species conservation with hotspot detection. Includes practical activity to understand and reinforce the previous contents. Subsequent data analysis 04 Eng. Tracking Basic_W

Note: this last PPT is the same as the one named in session 1. For people with intellectual disabilities, session 1 will not talk about bird tracking. That topic is carried over to this session 2 workshop to reduce the content.

  • There are several working methodologies to better adapt them to the characteristics of the groups. Each participating classroom/group should select only one bird to create the Collaborative Travel Journal. It is recommended to use different birds within the same center and then share the information, at least 30 minutes.
  • Activity sheets of  the protagonist bird and the methodology to work on the route are provided. Although these specific methodologies are offered, each group is free to combine data from one bird with the methodology of another, as well as create new methodologies.
  • Bibei, the Egyptian vulture (Spanish): Directed writing and mini-challenges.
  • Galán, the Montagu’s harrier (Spanish): Video, audiovisual, or podcast.
  • Quetzalcoatl, the short-toed snake eagle (Spanish) : Detailed video and Kahoot.
  • Penélope, the lesser kestrel (Spanish): Use of images, minimal text. Map or models.
  • Natilla, the lesser kestrel (Spanish): Landscape interpretation with brushwork and audio recording.
  • Itaña, the lesser kestrel (Italian): Landscapes and creative artistic interpretation, and “unconventional” approaches.
  • Írida, the lesser kestrel (Greek): Solving puzzles and creative writing.
  • Pinacoteca, the lesser kestrel (Spanish): Use of images, quiz.
  • Alcheo, the lesser kestrel (Italian): texts and drawings to describe his journey.
  • Erasmo, the lesser kestrel (Italian): texts and drawings to describe his journey.
  • Gemma, the lesser kestrel (Italian): texts and drawings to describe her journey.
  • Perpetuo, the lesser kestrel (Spanish): texts and drawings to describe his journey.

Migratory routes of the different birds:

Lesser kestrels: Itaña, Írida, Natilla, Penélope, Pinacoteca, Alcheo, Erasmo, Gemma, Perpetuo

Montagu’s harrier: Galán

Egyptian vulture: Bibei

Short-toed snake eagle: Quetzalcóatl

  • Spain 9th June 2023
  • Italy September 2023