Hummingbirds

Developed by: Melinda Wright

Summary- Students will discover the elements needed to create a suitable habitat for hummingbirds. Students will create, design and install a habitat using crepe myrtle trees to provide a schoolyard habitat for hummingbirds.

Connection to the Curriculum: This module will include science concepts, planning skills and mathematical measurements. It provides for hand-on learning while benefiting not only hummingbirds, but the school as well.

TEKS Alignment: Math 4.12, 4.14 Aj 4.14 B
Science 4.5 A, 4.5 B, 4.8 A

Time: 4 one hour class periods, 2 two hour periods and 15 minute observations per week for data collection.

Season: Research and planning stages begin in late winter with planting in March.

Materials:

Crepe Myrtle Trees Topsoil

Gardening tools

Hummingbird feeders (to initially attract birds)

Sugar

Fencing material (to protect area while under construction)

References for studying hummingbirds

Objectives:

*Students will identify that food, water, shelter, space in a suitable arrangement are needed for a habitat.

*Students will research facts about hummingbirds and their habitats.

*Students will distinguish species of hummingbirds native to this area.

*Students will plan the area for the habitat. *Students will plant the trees.

*Students will observe the habitat for signs of hummingbirds and make adjustments as needed.

Procedures:

1. Students participate in the activity, Habitat Lap Sit, from Project WILD as an anticipatory set.
2. Students will conduct research on hummingbirds and their habitats. Research will include migratory information and native species.
3. A gardener will speak to the students on how to till the soil, spacing of the trees, proper planting and care.
4. A plan and diagram will be, created by the students, for the habitat.
5. Students will install the habitat, making sure to include all elements needed for a hummingbird habitat.
6. Students will monitor the site for signs of hummingbirds and collect data as they visit the site.
7. Classes will be invited to visit the habitat to receive instruction on habitats, either by the students who designed the site or by their classroom teacher.

Questions:

Elaborate on habitats, ecosystems and a niche.

Predict and draw conclusions on what would happen if one element were removed from the habitat. Would that impact be irreversible?

Which hummingbird species are common to our area? What do they eat?

Evaluation:

A habitat inventory will be conducted prior to installation, followed up by data collection, which will be displayed as a multi-media presentation.

Expanding the Lesson:

Xeric-scape gardening

Bird Habitats

Butterfly habitats

Resources:

http://www.hummingbird.org/faq.htm

To join The Hummingbird Project, go to http://www.rubythroat.org

Project WILD

NRCS Backyard Conservation booklet

NWF Schoolyard Habitat Planning Guide

Texas Wildscapes

Texas Native Plants