The Misunderstood Bird
Crows are one of those types of creatures that gets a bad reputation. As we are studying in our Scarecrow Unit, crows are quite fascinating and highly intelligent. Although often portrayed as an ominous or evil symbol, crows are amazing for multiple reasons.
Fly Into The Facts
To get a better understanding of these birds, we had to flock to the facts. Researching and gathering the information was intriguing and led to a comprehensive lesson plan to highlight the crow in as special a way as it is.
Here are some quick facts on crows to get your study off the ground.
Think Like a Crow
Crows possess puzzle solving skills and even the ability to recognize faces! Not to mention, crows study another crow's death so they can learn the cause of its death and how to avoid having the same fate.
It's A Mob!
Crows work together to form mobs in order to scare away predators.
They communicate using different caw sounds in order to call nearby crows
Crow vs. Raven
Although similar and sometimes used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between the two. For one, the tail feathers are shaped differently. The crow's tail feathers are the same length, giving it a fan-like appearance whereas the raven's longer middle tail feather gives it a pointed look. Second, crows are smaller and fly in large groups verses the raven which travels in pairs. Last the crow makes the sound of a high pitched "caw" unlike the raven which makes a deeper, croaking call.
Tool Making
Some of the only animals to do this is the crow! The crow will bend twigs into hooks and use sticks to reach food.
Red Light, Green Light
Scientists researching wild crows have found that some will use traffic lights to crack open nuts. Crows have learned that if they drop nuts on the road at a red light, once the light turns green the cars will crush the shells for them.
"CAW" For Lesson Plans
Whether crows are a bird you appreciate or not, you have to admit, crows are smart.
So, in our Scarecrow Unit we are playing all sorts of crow themed learning activities, to highlight and relate to the intriguing creature.
In this easy to put together activity, kids will use their brilliant minds to "Think Like A Crow" to match fraction diagrams to number fractions. All you need are a few supplies to make this activity take flight.
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