Subject
Science, Art

Activity Overview
There is a great diversity of traits shown in the beaks of birds. There are beaks that are better suited to some environments than others, but it is the bird's genes which determines these beak characteristics. In this activity students will research and discriminate between various types of beaks. They will explain how these beaks help the birds adapt to and survive in their environments.

Materials
bird identification books (Peterson, Audubon, Golden Press)
paper
pencils, pens, markers

Activity Outline
Students may work alone or in groups, depending on the number of books available. Use the books to identify the different types of beaks, including: long vs. short; wide vs. narrow; hooked vs. straight; yellow vs. another color; and any other beak traits students might observe. For each beak type students must identify at least five bird species. Then, in order to explain why each beak type is an adaptation to the environment, have students research the habitat of some of these birds.

Have students make charts to show their findings and conclusions. The charts could include sketches and/or graphics.

Assessment
· A performance assessment can be done using a scoring rubric as students do research in the bird identification books.
· Each chart can be shared with the class and used as an assessment of the activity.

Standards and Benchmarks
Standard 4: Understands the principles of heredity and related concepts
4. Knows that hereditary information is contained in genes (located in the chromosomes of each cell), each of which carries a single unit of information; an inherited trait of an individual can be determined by either one or many genes; and a single gene can influence more than one trait