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Modern Dinosaur

Activity

Bird Behavior

Observe a common modern dinosaur around you– Birds! Did you know that all of the species of birds that we have today can be linked back to one specific type of dinosaur? While watching a bird or using a model, record some observations like: How does the bird move? What does the bird eat? Is the bird alone or in a group? How does the bird behave around others? What do these observations make you wonder about dinosaur behavior?

A cassowary, a large flightless bird with blue and red coloring on its neck, black feathers, and a prominent helmet-like crest on its head

A common grackle, a dark iridescent bird with yellow eyes

Science Seed

All birds today can be traced back to the Theropod dinosaurs, meaning “beast-footed.” These dinosaurs were bipedal (stood on two feet), ate mostly meat, and first appeared around 231 million years ago. Scientists have found many similarities between birds and these dinosaurs, including their bone structures, such as hollow bones and similar features in their hips and legs. The Theropod Acrocanthosaurus roamed throughout Texas! This means that birds are considered the direct descendants of dinosaurs, making them living relatives of the ancient creatures that once roamed the Earth.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The Ecologist School Pocket Guide: TSBVI edition is a collaboration between Families in Nature and the Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired as an effort to help our community learn more about the TSBVI campus, while getting outside into nature together! This booklet has 80 lessons across 16 different branches of science to help you play, learn, and volunteer on campus!

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.