Teaching Suggestions
Black-and-White
Birds: Which Are Cranes?
(Back to Overview)
Introduction
Whooping cranes are not the only large black-and-white birds in Florida
in winter. It’s very important in making any identification
of an unexpected bird to get a good look at both the bird’s
shape and color pattern. Use the activities in this guide to help
students explore this question:
Essential
Question: |
Examine
Cover Image and Title
Invite students to examine the cover
image of whooping cranes in flight. Encourage them to share what details
in the photo could be used to identify cranes from other black-and-white birds.
Ask:
• What physical characteristics do you think we could use to identify whooping cranes from other birds that may look similar?
Explore the Photo Gallery
Invite students to examine images from the photo
gallery prior to reading the slideshow. Challenge them to identify similarities
and differences that could be used to distinguish the birds featured in the
images. Have students predict how many different birds appear in the set of
images. How many birds can they name? Which birds spark students’ questions?
After students have explored images, made predictions, and asked questions, read through the pages of the slideshow together, stopping occasionally to spotlight key ideas and ask questions. Encourage students to ask additional questions sparked by the text.
1. Journal Page.
Compare and
contrast the identifying characteristics of whooping cranes with the
Snow Goose, one of the look-alike birds featured in the slideshow.
Have students work with a partner to make a Venn diagram that shows
the similarities and differences between the birds. Provide time for
students to share their diagrams with the class.
2. Identification Card
Have students summarize what they learned from the slideshow by creating
Whooping crane ID cards. Encourage them to revisit the text and images
from the slideshow to determine what information and pictures they
will include on the identification card they create.
Have students use photo gallery images to create their own fact book, using information they learned about whooping crane identification.
2. Showcase Discoveries
Create a poster to showcase physical features that can be used to identify whooping cranes. Encourage students to find facts and images from the slideshow for their showcase poster.
