Tiny Talons: Bird Feet in Action

NGSS Standards Alignment Matrix

Grades K–3 | Ojai Raptor Center

NGSS Standard

Performance Expectation

How Tiny Talons Aligns

K-LS1-1

Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

Students observe how different bird feet and feathers help birds survive through hunting, swimming, climbing, and scavenging behaviors.

1-LS1-1

Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.

Students design and build model bird feet with pipe cleaners inspired by real bird adaptations for climbing, grasping, swimming, or perching.

1-LS1-2

Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive.

Students observe videos and images of birds using specialized feet and feathers to survive in their environments.

2-LS4-1

Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

Students compare owl, Turkey Vulture, Western Grebe, and woodpecker feet to understand how different birds survive in forests, skies, shorelines, and aquatic habitats.

LS4-3

Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

Students examine biofacts and media showing birds adapted to different environments and lifestyles, emphasizing diversity of structure and habitat use.

K-2-ETS1-2

Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

Students create physical pipe cleaner bird feet designed to perform specific survival tasks such as grasping prey or holding onto trees.

Crosscutting Concepts

Crosscutting Concept

Program Connection

Structure and Function

Students explore how the shape and structure of bird feet and feathers relate directly to survival functions.

Patterns

Students identify patterns in bird adaptations across species and habitats.

Cause and Effect

Students observe how specific adaptations help birds perform certain behaviors successfully.

Science & Engineering Practices

Practice

Program Connection

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

Students predict and discuss why birds have different feet and feather structures.

Constructing Explanations

Students explain how bird feet help birds survive in different environments.

Developing and Using Models

Students build model bird feet using pipe cleaners to represent real-life adaptations.

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Students compare textures, shapes, and structures of biofacts through guided observation and touch.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

DCI

Program Connection

LS1.A: Structure and Function

Different animals use their body parts in different ways to help them survive.

LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

There are many different kinds of living things in different habitats.

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

Designs can be modeled and tested to solve specific problems.