Teacher Tips for Countdown to Migration Print-and-Fold Instructions Web "Slide Show" Version of Booklet BEFORE READING Make Connections: Brainstorm a list of choices you make that depend on the day's weather. Which things must you postpone until more favorable weather? Explain that the departure of the ultralight-led migration cannot happen until the weather is just right. The countdown to departure is underway!   DURING READING Make Connections: • (Page 1) Do you think we humans are affected by migratory restlessness? Do you feel “a change in the air” in fall? Does it affect your behavior? Critical Thinking. Discuss: •If weather were perfect for flying each day, the migration could be made in about 16 days. However, it will likely take at least two months. What unexpected things could happen during the journey south? (Poor flying weather that causes delays; storms that damage the pens or harm the birds; mechanical problems with the planes; difficult obstacles for the birds, such as high mountain ranges or noisy interstate highways; a lost bird that requires delay for search and rescue. All these things have happened in the previous ultralight-led migrations.) Students may wish to search through Highlights reports from past migrations, found here.   AFTER READING: EXTEND LEARNING Archives and Lessons: (Page 1) What weather conditions are they waiting for? See the September 29, 2003 Highlight report for a quick explanation. Then explore more with pilot Joe Duff’s weather checklist. (Page 2) How much does this migration cost? How much is a 50-lb. bag of crane chow? How much is 5,000 mealworms for Robo-crane to dispense? How much to fill the ultralight's fuel tank, buying 3 hours of flying time? For math challenges, see “Migration Math: Work It!” in the October 1, 2003 report. (2003 prices) (Page 3) What signs tell the pilot that a crane is getting tired in flight? On this page hear pilot Joe Duff's answer, and see a video clip of a tired bird dropping out. (Page 4) Play the contact call for students. Do they think the birds will be ready when departure day arrives? This is a good time to review the Meet the Flock chart for this year's chicks. What's the age range between the oldest and the youngest members of the flock? How many males? How many females? Which cranes seem most dominant? (Page 5) How does the ultralight aid the birds in flight? Pilot Deke Clark explains in a 67-second audio clip, with five questions to guide listening before the clip. Also, learn more about flight order in this archived Highlight report and this lesson. (Page 6) Download and print our Comparing Migrations chart. To learn more about this year's team members, see Meet the Team. Now you're all set for migration to begin! Journey North is pleased to feature this educational adventure made possible by the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP). This Season Teachers Kids Orientation Registration Search Copyright 1997-2008 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Contact us.