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Are We There Yet? Exploring Navigation and Migration

Target Grade or Age

Grade Level: 4th - 10th

Choose your experience:

Duration: 75 minutes

Did you know that migrating animals and humans share many navigational methods? Most migrating animals navigate over large expanses of oceans and landmasses yearly, using their built-in GPS (global positioning system), mental maps, echolocation, and compasses. During this program, students will compare and contrast animal and human navigational methods through hands-on STEM activities. Additionally, the program highlights locally endangered or threatened species of migrating animals and the human impact on migration. Students will put their navigational skills to the test as they create a mental map, test their echolocation skills, and learn the basics of compasses. Elementary students will end with a game exploring how plastic pollution travels in our local waterways. Middle and high school students will play the part of a bird during migration through the Chesapeake Bay.

Duration: 75 minutes

Did you know that migrating animals and humans share many navigational methods? Most migrating animals navigate over large expanses of oceans and landmasses yearly, using their built-in GPS (global positioning system), mental maps, echolocation, and compasses. During this program, students will compare and contrast animal and human navigational methods through hands-on STEM activities. Additionally, the program highlights locally endangered or threatened species of migrating animals and the human impact on migration. Students will put their navigational skills to the test as they create a mental map, test their echolocation skills, and learn the basics of compasses. Elementary students will end with a game exploring how plastic pollution travels in our local waterways. Middle and high school students will play the part of a bird during migration through the Chesapeake Bay. Teachers, please note: this program works best with a large space (inside or outside) available so students can move around to play the games. Other activities can still be done in the classroom.   

Learning Objectives

Students will: 

  • Explore the basics of animal migration and navigation. 
  • Learn why preserving habitats in and around the Chesapeake Bay watershed is important to animal migration.
  • Discover how humans influence migration and navigation in animals through our actions.

Science (VDOE 2018):

  • Elementary: 4.3 (a,c), 4.8 (a,b), 5.2 (a), 5.4 (e), 5.5 (a,b,c), 5.8 (a), 5.9 (a)  
  • Middle: 6.3 (a), 6.6 (f), 6.8 (a,b,c,d), 6.9 (a,c,d,e,f), LS.7 (b), LS.8 (a,c), LS.9 (a,b,c), LS.11 (a,c), PS.7 (a), PS.9 (b,d,f)
  • High: BIO.8 (d), ES.7 (a), ES.8 (c,d), ES.10 (a,e); ES.11 (d)

History (VDOE 2015):

  • WG.1 (a,b,c,e,f), WG.2 (a,c), WG.3, WG.4, WG.5

Next Generation Science Standards:

  • Elementary: 4-PS3-2, 4-ESS2-2, 5-ESS2-1, 5-ESS3-1, 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3
  • Middle: MS-PS2-3, MS-LS2-1, MS-ESS2-4, MS-ESS2-6, MS-ESS3-3

Principles of Ocean Literacy:

  • 1) The Earth has one big ocean with many features
  • 2) The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of the Earth
  • 5) The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems
  • 6) The oceans and humans are inextricably interconnected

Pricing:

Payment can be made before the program, or we can invoice following your program.

  • Programs at the Museum are $4.50 per student.
    All adults accompanying a field trip are free.
  • Programs at your location are $4.50 per student.
  • Virtual education programs are $125 per program.

Reservations are required for all programs and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs fill quickly in the fall and spring, so make your reservations a minimum of two weeks in advance.

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