Process
Becoming an expert raptor-ologist takes much training, research, and field experience. You will be working in training teams of 3 students. There will be several steps in this webquest's process, so pay close attention!
STEP 1 - Research
Using the internet, research what a raptor is. You should find it pretty easy to find the unique features and adaptations of raptors and their feeding methods, but it may be more difficult to find how their body structure and parenting skills allow them to survive. Write a paragraph with your team about raptors using Microsoft Word Online. Share it with your teacher via email. You may find these links useful:
Birds of Prey - Types of Raptors
All About Birds - Raptors
Explore Raptors
STEP 1 - Research
Using the internet, research what a raptor is. You should find it pretty easy to find the unique features and adaptations of raptors and their feeding methods, but it may be more difficult to find how their body structure and parenting skills allow them to survive. Write a paragraph with your team about raptors using Microsoft Word Online. Share it with your teacher via email. You may find these links useful:
Birds of Prey - Types of Raptors
All About Birds - Raptors
Explore Raptors
Use the following video to help with Step 2
STEP 2 - Raptors and Ranges
Use the attributes selector from the WhatBird.com website to search common raptors with hawk or owl-like body structures. Some of them are more common than others, so your team must write down the names that you recognize first, followed by the rest. You and your team will then use this list to check the ranges and characteristics of several of North America's common raptors.
STEP 3 - Selection and Research
Now that you have an idea of what a raptor is and which ones are out there flying the skies of North America, let's get you started on your training. Visit the following links and preview the quality of the webcam, the location, and the birds. Then, each team member should select one different species to observe during the webquest. Your team should have a fair mix of species, so choose:
Once you have selected your raptor species, do some research and write a descriptive paragraph with the most important information about the species. Write a paragraph with your team about raptors using Microsoft Word Online. Share it with your teacher via email.
STEP 4 - Observations
Use the following log to record your observations from the webcam of your choice in step 3. You should schedule at least seven 30-minute blocks of time to do your observations. It is best to vary the time of day throughout your training so you can see how the behavior of your raptor family changes as the day goes on. Also, you do not have to follow a schedule of set days. Raptors on the nest generally follow similar patterns of behavior from one day to the next, so mix up the observations! As with all habits of a good scientist, be detailed and observant.
Use the attributes selector from the WhatBird.com website to search common raptors with hawk or owl-like body structures. Some of them are more common than others, so your team must write down the names that you recognize first, followed by the rest. You and your team will then use this list to check the ranges and characteristics of several of North America's common raptors.
STEP 3 - Selection and Research
Now that you have an idea of what a raptor is and which ones are out there flying the skies of North America, let's get you started on your training. Visit the following links and preview the quality of the webcam, the location, and the birds. Then, each team member should select one different species to observe during the webquest. Your team should have a fair mix of species, so choose:
- one eagle
- one hawk or falcon
- one owl
- Kestrel Cam
- Peregrine Falcon Cam
- Cornell Ornithology Lab Cams - only raptors may be selected!
- Audubon Society Cams - only raptors may be selected!
Once you have selected your raptor species, do some research and write a descriptive paragraph with the most important information about the species. Write a paragraph with your team about raptors using Microsoft Word Online. Share it with your teacher via email.
STEP 4 - Observations
Use the following log to record your observations from the webcam of your choice in step 3. You should schedule at least seven 30-minute blocks of time to do your observations. It is best to vary the time of day throughout your training so you can see how the behavior of your raptor family changes as the day goes on. Also, you do not have to follow a schedule of set days. Raptors on the nest generally follow similar patterns of behavior from one day to the next, so mix up the observations! As with all habits of a good scientist, be detailed and observant.
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File Type: | docx |
STEP 5 - Discussion and Comparison
Once you have completed your observations, it is time to meet with your training team to discuss what each of you witnessed. Share the daily life of your raptor family by talking for a few minutes and comparing your raptor's behaviors, environment, fledglings, and interactions with the other families from your team.
Write a paragraph that describes the similarities and differences amongst the raptor families in your training team. Use specific details from your observations and research.
STEP 6 - Final Podcast or Video
Your final product for this webquest is a podcast or video about your training as a raptor expert. In it, you must discuss what makes a raptor special, why you chose your raptor family, what you each observed, and how your raptor family compares to the other families on your team.
Podcasts should be made using an Apple or Android device and common recording and editing apps. The recording should be 4-6 minutes in length.
Videos should be made and edited using Windows, Apple, or Android programs or apps. The video should be uploaded to YouTube and the link emailed to the teacher. The video should be supported with images of your raptor and may include information slides. Its length should be 5-7 minutes.
Once you have completed your observations, it is time to meet with your training team to discuss what each of you witnessed. Share the daily life of your raptor family by talking for a few minutes and comparing your raptor's behaviors, environment, fledglings, and interactions with the other families from your team.
Write a paragraph that describes the similarities and differences amongst the raptor families in your training team. Use specific details from your observations and research.
STEP 6 - Final Podcast or Video
Your final product for this webquest is a podcast or video about your training as a raptor expert. In it, you must discuss what makes a raptor special, why you chose your raptor family, what you each observed, and how your raptor family compares to the other families on your team.
Podcasts should be made using an Apple or Android device and common recording and editing apps. The recording should be 4-6 minutes in length.
Videos should be made and edited using Windows, Apple, or Android programs or apps. The video should be uploaded to YouTube and the link emailed to the teacher. The video should be supported with images of your raptor and may include information slides. Its length should be 5-7 minutes.