Activity 3: Urban Bird Song Analysis
This activity will take the place of 5 one- hour class periods (5 hours total). All lessons are included in the teacher's Activity 3 guide below.
The purpose of this activity is to allow students to investigate adaptive behaviors of birds in urban environments. In this activity, students will conduct a small, guided experiment in which they record the songs of birds near their school using microphones and digital recorders. They will learn how to analyze these songs using the sound-analysis software Raven Lite. Students will also interpret the data based on analyses from readings done prior to conducting the experiment.
- The first lesson will introduce students to behavioral adaptations birds have developed in cities. It will also allow students to familiarize themselves with sound equipment.
- The second and third lesson will have students use sound equipment and computers in class to record, upload, and analyze sound files into Raven Lite.
- The fourth lesson will have students go out into the field/ local environment to record actual bird songs.
- The fifth lesson will have students upload and analyze their bird song recordings, comparing them to songs of rural birds.
Teacher Resources
- Teachers' Guide
- Students' Guide
- Lesson 1 PowerPoint
- Lesson 1 Sample Concept Map
- Brumm Article: City Birds Have Changed Their Tune
Student Resources