Winged Ambassadors: Links to More Resources

Coming December 2011, Winged Ambassador Activity Package will incorporate the activities below into five updated and improved Lessons.

Waves, Wetlands, and Watersheds
Supplemental Activities for the California Coastal Commission Science Activity Guide

These supplemental teaching activities developed by Oikonos focus on teaching about Black-footed Albatross research, their fascinating life history, satellite tracking, lab-based scientific investigations and plastic pollution prevention. Files needed for activities available free below.

The following activities were made possible with funds from the California Coastal Commission's Whale Tail License Plate Grant Program, with matching funds from Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

The Teaching Activities supplement "Waves, Wetlands, and Watersheds" curriculum developed by the California Coastal Commission available free from this website:

http://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/waves/waves1.html

Students from Benicia Middle School, California

"Thank you for the wonderful ocean pollution program. I learned that plastic never completely biodegrades; it just breaks up into smaller pieces. I also really liked dissecting the bolus from the albatross. I was really sad to learn that albatrosses eat plastic. Thanks again for the wonderful program. It really makes me want to clean up everywhere!"

"Thank you so much for teaching us about how much plastic is in the ocean and how many birds eat plastic. I knew that it was a problem, but I didn't know it was this bad! After estimations (because we didn't completely dissect our bolus) we concluded that 83% of our bolus was plastic and/or unnatural items. I was amazed! Because of your presentation, I feel I need to help these birds too."

"Thank you for inspiring me to clean up the place and save the Earth! Here are some interesting facts I learned: 1) the albatross does a cool dance before mating 2) they eat lots of plastic (of course) 3) the parents regurgitate their food for their chicks. Thank you!"

"I will tell people that litter on the street can affect seabirds because the stuff gets into the storm drains. Thank you very much for coming in and sharing information with us. I will now be more aware about what I do!"

View student art, essays, and teacher comments about these activities

Campus Trash Survey Activity

Make a difference locally by monitoring school campus trash and documenting improvements.

Survey Form and Excel spreadsheet with automatic result graphing

 

Teacher Training - Students Track Albatross Across the Pacific

Marine animal migration and oceanography data from Oikonos' Albatross Research is used in classrooms with ACES - Animals in Curriculum-based Ecosystem Studies, an award-winning program meeting state-specific math and science process standards.

Bring the open ocean to your classroom by tracking albatross and other animals! For more information on professional development, link to ACES here.

 

Readers Theater script: "Auntie Moana Saves the Day "

A Readers Theater script for middle and high school students to read aloud and learn about an effect that marine debris can have on wildlife. Hawaiian Pidgin and Standard English Created by Barbara Mayer, M.S. Barb is a science educator with 20 years of classroom instruction, curriculum development, and web resources. View her website.

Laysan Albatross chick requesting a meal from its parent. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Vanderlip