Science: Living World
 : Keas and Albatrosses
44k
Approach: One to one Level: Year 8 only
Resources: 2 postcards, one showing a kea, one showing an albatross and chick.

Questions / instructions:
In this activity you will be looking at photographs of two birds so that you can think about their similarities and differences.

Name the birds as you show the students the pictures.
This is a photograph of a kea, and this is an albatross. Before I ask you some questions have a careful look at the two pictures.

Leave time for the students to look.

  % responses
y8

1. First of all, can you explain to me why we call these creatures 'birds'?
How do we know they are birds and not some other type of animal?

What special features do birds have that make them different from animals that are not birds?

Special features of birds feathers (unique)
wings
beak
eggs
69
70
79
31

2. Now think about where each bird lives, and how it lives.First of all, can you tell me what would be different about where each bird lives?

Now, can you tell me what would be different about the way each bird lives because of where it lives?

Discussion of habitats of the two birds

excellent
very good
moderate
poor

9
28
39
24

Give student the photograph of the kea.
3. Let's look at the kea.
What is special about this bird that helps it survive and live in its natural surroundings?

Give student the photograph of the albatross. Now let's look at the albatross. Tell me what is special about this bird that helps it survive and live in its natural surroundings?

Discussion of special survival
features of the two birds

excellent
very good
moderate
poor

14
29
32
25

5. This time look carefully at their beaks. Describe to me the differences in their beaks?

Why do you think their beaks are different?

How does a kea's beak help it to live and survive?

How does a albatross's beak help it to live and survive?

Discussion of form and use of beaks

excellent
very good
moderate
poor

13
29
39
19


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