The Bird is the Word
Migratory birds have been showing up in Islamabad, Pakistan in fewer and fewer numbers over the last few years. There are many factors that are contributing to this including: increasing urbanization, water contamination, private colonies, felling of trees, expansion of roads, and introduction of exotic plant species. This is a problem for the local communities. Local crops rely heavily on the birds as they eat insects and their droppings are natural fertilization. This also is a micro study of a much larger problem facing the natural cycles of animals.
This article is useful in a science classroom, because as I stated before, this is a good micro study for the problem of decreasing biodiversity. There are many interesting questions that can be posed after reading the article. What other factors might be causing the decrease in bird traffic? What are the factors that make for a good place for birds to migrate? How can cities continue to grow, while accounting for local biodiversity? This is an article that I would have the students use a conversation round table reading strategy. This is a real-world example of a concept that would be discussed in class, and I think the students could make the connections on their own in groups. The problem is small enough, that students could realistically brainstorm some solutions to the decreasing bird diversity. If we allow them to come up with a solution and present it in their own unique way, then a high school class could get a lot from this assignment.
Incorporated Standard: (HS-LS2–2) Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
