Science Lesson Plan: Exploring the Cook Island Kuriri Bird

Subject: Science

Year Level: Year 1 (Ages 5-6)

Duration: 60 minutes

Number of Students: 18

Lesson Overview:

This lesson explores the distinctive aspects of the Cook Island Kuriri Bird, focusing on its identification, call, habitat, and significance to Rarotonga, including its migration patterns. The lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum for science at the Level 1, aiming to foster curiosity and develop understanding about the living world.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify the Cook Island Kuriri Bird and distinguish between the Golden Plover and the Wandering Tattler.
2. Describe the habitat and explain why the Kuriri Bird is important to Rarotonga.
3. Understand basic concepts about bird migration and its purpose.
4. Recognise the call of the Cook Island Kuriri Bird.

Resources:

• Pictures of the Cook Island Kuriri Bird, Golden Plover, and Wandering Tattler.
• Audio clips of the bird calls.
• Map of the Cook Islands and migration routes.
• Video clip about the Cook Island Kuriri Bird (if available).
• Drawing materials and paper.
• Interactive whiteboard or projector.
• New Zealand Curriculum Online (for curriculum standards and additional resources).

Lesson Structure:

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Welcome and Settling In: Begin with a greeting and a short icebreaker where students can share any experiences they have with observing birds.

• Introduction to the Kuriri Bird: Show pictures of the Cook Island Kuriri Bird and introduce it as a special bird from the Cook Islands. Briefly explain the focus of today's lesson.

Exploration Phase (20 minutes)

• Bird Identification Activity: Display images of the Cook Island Kuriri Bird, Golden Plover, and Wandering Tattler. Discuss key visual differences and ask students to group images based on their observations.

• Listening to Bird Calls: Play audio clips of each bird's call. Have students listen carefully and try to match the call with the correct bird.

Discussion and Learning (15 minutes)

• Discussing Habitat and Importance: Using a map and images of Rarotonga, discuss the natural habitat of the Kuriri Bird. Explain why this bird is important to the island, touching on aspects of natural balance and cultural significance.

• Understanding Migration: Explain migration using simple terms. Show the migration route on a map and discuss why birds migrate, emphasising the Kuriri Bird’s journey.

Creative Activity (10 minutes)

• Bird and Habitat Drawing: Encourage students to draw the Kuriri Bird in its habitat, using the information they've learned. Provide guidance and support as needed.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Recap and Share: Recap the main points of the lesson. Invite a few students to share their drawings and what they learned about the Kuriri Bird.

• Closure: Conclude with a brief discussion on the importance of birds and nature. Encourage students to observe birds in their own environments and share findings in the next class.

Assessment:

• Informal observation of students during activities to assess understanding and engagement.
• Review of students' drawings and explanations as a reflection of their learning.

Additional Notes:

• Ensure that all resources are age-appropriate and the content is presented in a manner that is engaging for Year 1 students.
• Adjust the pace based on students’ responses and engagement levels throughout the lesson.

This lesson plan introduces young students to biological science through an engaging study of the Cook Island Kuriri Bird, fostering an appreciation for wildlife and environmental conservation, aligned with New Zealand’s educational standards for young learners.