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Fine-Feathered Falcons

Student art will take wing as they learn about falcons and create a drawing of this beautiful bird of prey.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

Steps

  • Step 1

    Falcons are small, fast birds of prey that live all over the world. Have students research these birds and some of their varieties, for example the kestrel (which is the most common North American variety), the peregrine falcon, the red-footed falcon (which is found in eastern Europe and Asia), etc. What do they prey on? What is their life span? How fast can they fly?

  • Step 2

    Ask students to look at images of various types of falcons and pick one to draw. They can first sketch the image and then use colored pencils to fill in the details and embellish the scene. When they're done they can cut out the drawing and mount it on another piece of construction paper.

  • Step 3

    Have students present their drawings and describe the type of falcon they portrayed and some facts about it.

Standards

SCI: Convey designs through sketches, detailed drawings, or physical models to communicate ideas and solutions.

SCI: Design pictorial or graphic representations/models that are useful in communicating ideas.

Adaptations

Invite a local wildlife specialist to speak to the class about the types of falcons or other birds of prey that are common to the area. Have students prepare a list of questions for the speaker prior to the event.

Peregrine Falcons were once on the Endangered Species List because of the widespread use of the pesticide DDT. A massive and successful effort was launched to save them, and in 1999 they were removed from the list. Now, however, their numbers are dwindling again. Have students investigate what could be causing this and what is being done to help.