Mini-Lesson

Animal Migration

Mini-Lesson: Grades 4-6

Objective: Students will use a map or globe to track a migration route.

1. Start a discussion about animal migration. Ask: What does it mean to migrate? (to move from one area to another at different times of the year) Why do some animals migrate? (to seek warmer climates; to go where there is food or water)

2. Tell students that scientists have discovered that a bird called the Arctic tern is the animal that makes the longest migration each year. On a world map or a globe, show students where the Arctic tern's yearly trip begins: the northern tip of Greenland. Then ask: To where do you think this bird flies each year before turning around to go back? Chart students' predictions on the board.

3. Pass out the timeforkids.com news story, Migration Marvel. As students read, have them use a map or a globe to keep track of the migration path described in the story. Then ask: How did scientists find out the Arctic tern's migration route? Other than how long the migration is, what else did scientists learn about the Arctic tern?

Extend Learning: Have students read a map showing the wildebeest's annual migration through northeast Africa. Use the worksheet On the Move.