Whooping Crane
 

Day 4 in Franklin Co., AL (+ 0 Miles)
 December 16, 2008: Migration Day 61

Operation Migration Ultralight at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Photo Joe Duff, Operation Migration

Unfavorable winds are blowing against the cranes and planes again today. They are stuck at 702 miles into their 1,285-mile journey south.

Bad weather slows migration, but it doesn't slow craniacs. Children from two families at Barrett School went to see the ultralight aircraft and Whooping crane display at the National Air and Space Museum. On display is the actual ultralight that led one of the Whooping crane migrations and was in the movie Fly Away Home. Teacher Laurie Sullivan reports: "The students impressed one of the museum guards with all their knowledge about the Whooping cranes and the ultralight." See photos on the school's blog entry: Barrett Students Visit Whooping Crane Display, or see Journey North's Classrooms in Action for links.

In the Classroom:

  • Today's Journal Questions:
    (a) In what ways can people show that they care about this migration? In what ways are people like you making a difference?
  • (b-for-bonus) Migration Math: Chris tells us that they carry 10 gallons of fuel in the ultralight's tank. If they fly at 36 mph and burn 3 gallons per hour, how many miles (with no headwinds or tailwinds) can they fly on a full tank? How many minutes can they fly on a tank of gasoline?

Journey North is pleased to feature this educational adventure presented in cooperation with the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP).

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