Florida Birds, 19th Century to Present

ACTIVITY

The purpose of this assignment is to determine the environmental landscape of the late 1800s - early 1900s in Florida and compare it today's landscape. Groups of students can choose from different areas (Okeechobee, St. Augustine, Tampa Bay, Panhandle) and identify some of the more common birds that might have been seen there in the past era, as well as today. Each group will need to write a 3-5 page paper discussing the area, the birds, and their purpose. Were these birds hunted by humans? If so, students should discuss the moral and ethical implications surrounding the hunt for wild game in regards to the landscape at the time. How is it different from buying a bird (chicken, turkey) at the supermarket? Students will use Google Docs to collaborate and the teacher will check their usage. Most students will need a tutorial on Google Docs and might need to create a username if they do not use gmail as an email server.

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Standards this activity addresses:

Grades 9-12 (1996 Standards)

Strand F - Processes of Life

1. The student describes patterns of structure and function in living things. (SC.F.1.4) BM 2, 4, 7

2. The student understands the process and importance of genetic diversity. (SC.F.2.4) BM 3

Strand G - How Living Things Interact With Their Environment

1. The student understands the competitive, interdependent, cyclic nature of living things in the environment. (SC.G.1.4) BM 1

2. The student understands the consequences of using limited natural resources. (SC.G.2.4) BM 2,4,5,6

Strand H - The Nature of Science

1. The student uses the scientific processes and habits of mind to solve problems. (SC.H.1.4) BM 1, 2, 3, 4, 7

3. The student understands that science, technology and society are interwoven and interdependent. (SC.H.3.4) BM 1-6

Grades 9-12 (2008 Standards)

Body of Knowledge:

Nature of Science

Standard 1 - The Practice of Science SC.912.N.1.1 - N.1.7

Standard 2 - The Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge SC.912.N.2.5

Standard 3 - The Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses, and Models SC.912.N.3.1 - N.3.5

Standard 4 - Science and Society SC.912.N.4.1, N.4.2

Life Science

Standard 17 - Interdependence SC.912.L.17.2, L.17.3, L.17.5, L.17.8, L.17.13, L.17.15

Reading/Language Arts (Writing Applications)

Standard 2: Informative LA.910.4.2.2, LA.1112.4.2.2

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