An Introduction to Birds Using Pokémon - Videos + Extension Activities

In this course, students learn about the taxonomy and characteristics of birds, then delve into the classification of birds, comparing specific species (their appearance and behaviors) to their Pokemon counterparts.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ VIDEOS, ACTIVITIES, AND MORE ▬▬▬▬▬▬

• This course has 4 parts to it. Parts 1-3 consist of a video presentation (each between 39 and 43 minutes long) hosted on Google Drive, along with some extension activities to expand the students’ understanding. Part 4 is DIY Pokemon project designed to explore more birds beyond the scope of Pokemon.

• In a regular school setting, these materials are ideal for reverse instruction or a flipped classroom unit. For instance, you can assign the video recording to watch at home for homework, and then use the extension activities for class projects. The recordings also work well for sub days and much-needed sanity days!

• If you are using these materials in a home school setting, you could choose to do one part per day or one part per week, doing the projects as time allows. Feel free to have your child email me at lauren.rae.ard@gmail.com, if they have any questions or want to share what they’ve done with the materials.

• This unit also includes a link to my notes and Prezi presentation I use throughout the course, in case you want to give some of the presentation, or expand on the material yourself. Please keep in mind that the video may not match up exactly with the notes and lecture materials, because I do alter and add to my notes as time goes on.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ COURSE SUMMARY ▬▬▬▬▬▬

Part 1: (43 minutes)

Introduction

Birds that should be Pokemon, but aren't!

Birds of Prey

Game birds

Part 2: (42 minutes)

Songbirds

Parrots

Quetzals

Woodpeckers

Toucans

Ostriches

Part 3: (39 minutes)

Waterfowl

Seabirds

Shorebirds

Penguins

Part 4: DIY Pokemon Project

▬▬▬▬▬▬ LEARNING OBJECTIVES ▬▬▬▬▬▬

By the end of the class, students should be able to:

• List the characteristics that all birds share.
• Distinguish between different birds of prey.
• Name some types of game birds and their Pokemon equivalents.
• Explain why songbirds are called songbirds.
• Describe some of the unique characteristics of parrots, quetzals, and ostriches.
• Point out the characteristics that woodpeckers and toucans share (that tell us they are related).
• Explain the differences between waterbirds, shorebirds, and seabirds.
• Point out some of the unique features of penguins.