Bald Eagle That Tried To Hatch A Rock Finally Gets To Be A Stepdad

3-5

LS4.C

Recall evidence to explain how the specific behaviors, adaptations, and changes in a specific organism allows it to thrive and survive within its environment

Students will describe behaviors Murphy displayed that indicated he was willing to take care of the eaglet.

1. Read and discuss the article on the animal sanctuary bonding with an eaglet
2. Have students create a chart to record specific species-related behavioral patterns they notice.
3. Discuss the behaviors and how each organism is dependent on different aspects of its environment.

3-5

ETS1.A

Based on the evidence of different properties, engineer a practical solution to a real-world problem that can by tested.

Students will create an idea for a structure that could replace nests during shelter destruction.

1. Read and discuss the article on the animal sanctuary's eaglet rescue.
2. Have students list key characteristics of an eagle's nest and what is needed to make it safe.
3. In groups, have students plan and sketch a structure that could replace the nest if it was destroyed during storm season.

3-5

LS4.C

Use a variety of sources to determine how various organisms interact with each other and their environment in a balanced way

Students will be able to identify various behaviors Murphy displayed that benefitted the eaglet.

1. Read and discuss the article on the animal sanctuary bonding with an eaglet.
2. Have students choose an eagle-related characteristic and research how it benefits both the eagle and the environment.
3. In groups, compare and share findings.
4. Discuss how one change can affect the health and welfare of an entire species.

3-5

ETS1.A

Plan, design, and build models of a solution for a problem or question.

Students will create a mockup of what Murphy's enclosure might have looked like so that he could take care of the eaglet.

1. Read and discuss the article on the animal sanctuary's eaglet rescue.
2. In groups, have students study a structure that Murphy needs to keep the eaglet safe and healthy.
3. Each group researches engineering principles and creates a model of a possible enclosure.
4. Have groups share their models and present how it solves the problem for both Murphy and the eaglet.

6

LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms

Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.

Create a poster that illustrates the process of photosynthesis and how it relates to the flow of energy in organisms.

1. Discuss the behavior of Murphy the bald eagle and the protective instincts he displayed towards the eaglet.
2. Introduce the concept of photosynthesis and its role in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.
3. Have students research and create a poster that illustrates the process of photosynthesis and how it relates to the flow of energy in organisms.

6

LS2.B: Cycle of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.

Create a concept map that illustrates the cycling of matter and flow of energy in an ecosystem, using examples from the Murphy and the eaglet story as evidence.

1. Discuss the behavior of Murphy the bald eagle and the protective instincts he displayed towards the eaglet.
2. Introduce the concept of the cycling of matter and flow of energy in an ecosystem.
3. Have students develop a concept map that illustrates the cycling of matter and flow of energy in an ecosystem, using examples from the Murphy and the eaglet story as evidence.

7

LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Debate the pros and cons of releasing the eaglet back into the wild, taking into account the role of Murphy as its surrogate parent and the needs of the ecosystem.

1. Discuss the behavior of Murphy the bald eagle and the protective instincts he displayed towards the eaglet.
2. Introduce the concept of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
3. Have students debate the pros and cons of releasing the eaglet back into the wild, taking into account the role of Murphy as its surrogate parent and the needs of the ecosystem.

7

LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.

Create a storyboard that illustrates how the relationship between Murphy and the eaglet can be used as an example of interdependent relationships in an ecosystem.

1. Discuss the behavior of Murphy the bald eagle and the protective instincts he displayed towards the eaglet.
2. Introduce the concept of interdependent relationships in an ecosystem.
3. Have students create a storyboard that illustrates how the relationship between Murphy and the eaglet can be used as an example of interdependent relationships in an ecosystem.

8

LS4.C: Adaptation

Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals' probability of survival and reproduction in a specific environment.

Write a report that explains how Murphy's protective instincts and bond with the eaglet can be considered an example of adaptation.

1. Discuss the behavior of Murphy the bald eagle and the protective instincts he displayed towards the eaglet.
2. Introduce the concept of adaptation and how it relates to genetic variations of traits in a population.
3. Have students write a report that explains how Murphy's protective instincts and bond with the eaglet can be considered an example of adaptation.

8

ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems

Develop a model to describe how carbon cycles through the Earth system and how human activities impact the carbon cycle.

Create a diagram that shows how human activities can impact the carbon cycle using the World Bird Sanctuary as an example.

1. Discuss the role of the World Bird Sanctuary in protecting birds and their ecosystems.
2. Introduce the concept of the carbon cycle and how human activities impact it.
3. Have students create a diagram that shows how human activities can impact the carbon cycle using the World Bird Sanctuary as an example.