The Students as Teachers!

The homework is in and the Cardinals have taken a great joy at sharing their Research Study. Each Cardinal had chosen a particular species of bird that they wanted to learn more about and some have returned with their findings. Along with their results, several of the Cardinals have also created a nest for their bird of study. One word sums it all, SUPERB! Quite a few Cardinals and their families have worked together to create the most outstanding habitat for their bird of choice, an amazing collaborative experience.

So far, we have had four Cardinals present their research work. Each was so eager to share their found facts as well as the story of all the work that went into the creation of the nests they crafted. Without any hesitation, each took a turn and stood in front of their classmates and teachers and communicated their discoveries. Once done, they invited their audience to ask questions.  This active involvement of the speaker and the listeners fostered a great deal of developments within each Cardinal, from learning how to ask a question or stating a comment to providing a leadership role where their choice and voice is honored.

Here’s what we have learned so far:

The American Robin

by Young Vilsmeier

1. “They are red, gray, and black.”

2. “Mommy birds lay 3 to 5 eggs.”

3. “They eat more worms in the morning and fruit in the day.”

4. It lives in the “woods, gardens, towns, lawns, and fields in North America.”

5. It eats “worms, caterpillars, fruits, and berries.”

We learned that the reason Young studied this bird was because, “They are so cute and little!”

The Ostrich

by Katy Jackson

1. “Tallest and heaviest of all birds.”

2. “They run instead of flying.”

3. “Has long strong legs.”

4. It lives “near grazing animals like zebras and antelopes.”

5. It eats “roots, seeds, leaves, flowers, insects, and lizards.”

This was Katy’s choice of bird “because of its beautiful tail!”

The Bald Eagle

by Trace LeVan

1. “Boy and girl look the same.”

2. “Live 20 years.”

3. “Largest nest in North America.”

4. It lives in “North America.”

5. It eats “fish ... and snakes too!”

Trace chose this bird to study because “I like the name and big wings!”

The Andean Condor

by Kate Timmer

1. “Condors are part of the vulture family.”

2. “Live in the Andes Mountains in nests up to 3 miles high!”

3. “Condors have a wing span of up to 12.5 feet.”

4. “They are the longest living birds, living up to 100 years!”

5. It lives on the “Andes Mountains.”

6. It eats “mice and other dead animals – they don’t kill their food.”

This was Kate’s choice “because condors are the biggest birds that fly.“