{"id":1469,"date":"2018-09-05T14:13:18","date_gmt":"2018-09-05T18:13:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/?p=1469"},"modified":"2026-04-13T15:26:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T19:26:25","slug":"flap-to-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/flap-to-the-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Flap to the Future"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"359\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Flap-to-the-Future_No-text-1024x511-720x359.jpg\" alt=\"Flap to the Future_no_text cover\" class=\"wp-image-1172 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 720px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 720\/359;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To supplement Bird Academy&#8217;s online game <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/academy.allaboutbirds.org\/features\/flaptothefuture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Flap to the Future<\/a><\/strong>, we&#8217;ve created <em>Jump, Glide, or Fly? Exploring Bird Evolution<\/em>. This resource, composed of three activities, explores\u00a0modern birds and their dinosaur ancestors, adaptations for flight, and the relationship between structure and function. These free lessons are perfect for students grade 6-8 and those\u00a0learning about evolution or adaptations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students will&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>identify and compare common characteristics of prehistoric and modern birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>understand&nbsp;the advantages and disadvantages of certain adaptations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>apply knowledge about adaptations to create a futuristic bird.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"http:\/\/dl.allaboutbirds.org\/flap-to-the-future-1\">Download the Lessons<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-birdpress-accordion accordion\" data-accordion=\"true\" data-allow-all-closed=\"true\"><div class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"true\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>Standards<\/span><\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-birdpress-accordion accordion\" data-accordion=\"true\" data-allow-all-closed=\"true\"><div class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"true\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>Next Generation Science Standards<\/span><\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content=\"true\">\n<p><strong>MS-LS1-5<\/strong>: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MS-LS4-2: Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MS-LS4-4: Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals\u2019 probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MS-LS4-6: Use mathematical representations to support explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in populations over time.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-birdpress-accordion accordion\" data-accordion=\"true\" data-allow-all-closed=\"true\"><div class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"true\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>Common Core State Standards &#8211; English Language Arts<\/span><\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content=\"true\">\n<p>CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.7 &#8211; Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1 &#8211; Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others&#8217; ideas and expressing their own clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1.D &#8211; Review the key ideas expressed and demonstrate understanding of multiple perspectives through reflection and paraphrasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.1 &#8211; Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.8 &#8211; Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.9 &#8211; Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6-8.1 &#8211; Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Different Birds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"434\" data-id=\"4846\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/50283481.jpeg\" alt=\"alt=&quot;&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-4846 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/50283481.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/50283481-480x326.jpeg 480w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/434;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Common Ostrich \u00a9 Simon Best \/ Macaulay Library<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-id=\"4843\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/24972811.jpeg\" alt=\"alt=&quot;&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-4843 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/24972811.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/24972811-480x320.jpeg 480w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/427;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Little Spotted Kiwi [Laurie Ross\/Macaulay Library] <strong>ML24972811<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-id=\"4844\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32441071.jpeg\" alt=\"alt=&quot;&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-4844 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32441071.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32441071-480x320.jpeg 480w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/427;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">King Penguin [Brian Sullivan\/Macaulay Library] <strong>ML32441071<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"409\" data-id=\"4845\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/46006051.jpeg\" alt=\"alt=&quot;&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-4845 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/46006051.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/46006051-480x307.jpeg 480w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/409;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Burrowing Owl [Matt Brady\/Macaulay Library] <strong>ML46006051<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-id=\"4847\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/51422581.jpeg\" alt=\"alt=&quot;&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-4847 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/51422581.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/51422581-480x320.jpeg 480w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/427;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Toco Toucan [Pablo Brandolin\/Macaulay Library] <strong>ML51422581<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Going Further<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Explore&nbsp;diversity and the distribution of birds with the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/academy.allaboutbirds.org\/features\/wallofbirds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wall of Birds<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check out Bird Academy&#8217;s <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/academy.allaboutbirds.org\/all-about-feathers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">All About Feathers<\/a><\/strong> interactive page. Learn about the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/academy.allaboutbirds.org\/features\/all-about-feathers\/#feathers-through-time.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">evolution of feathers<\/a>,<\/strong> the different types and functions of feathers, and hear from a feather scientist!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore the processes of evolution and natural selection with our free download<strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/evolution-in-paradise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Evolution\u00a0of Paradise<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0lesson plan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch our archived&nbsp;webinar <strong>&#8216;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-S7jFmDtKPY&amp;list=PLpASuHGySs5p0sHyybMNC-ii25uGQdgNl&amp;index=4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Exploring Evolution<\/a><\/strong>&#8216; for a walk-through of resources pertaining&nbsp;to&nbsp;evolution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Read our blog &#8216;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/blast-from-the-past\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Blast from the Past<\/strong><\/a>&#8216; where you&#8217;ll find free coloring pages and discussion questions related to interesting extinct and prehistoric birds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To supplement Bird Academy&#8217;s online game Flap to the Future, we&#8217;ve created Jump, Glide, or Fly? Exploring Bird Evolution lesson plan. Lessons and game are free and engaging!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_birdpress_hero_toggle":false,"_birdpress_hero_type":"image","_birdpress_hero_image_type":"image","_birdpress_hero_style":"default","_birdpress_hero_ratio":"","_birdpress_hero_h1":"","_birdpress_hero_media_id":0,"_birdpress_hero_media_array_id":[],"_birdpress_hero_media_array":[],"_birdpress_hero_media":0,"_birdpress_hero_video_id":0,"_birdpress_hero_video":0,"_birdpress_hero_youtube":"","_birdpress_hero_content":true,"_birdpress_hero_byline":"","_birdpress_hero_byline_bottom":"","_birdpress_hero_button_link":"","_birdpress_hero_button_text":"","_birdpress_hero_button_color":"","_birdpress_hero_date":false,"original_guid":"","_birdpress_hide_search":false,"_birdpress_page_width":"","_birdpress_global_cta":false,"_birdpress_widget_sidebar":"","_birdpress_next_article":0,"_birdpress_next_article_title":"","_birdpress_prev_article":0,"_birdpress_prev_article_title":"","_birdpress_sub_navigation_id":0,"_birdpress_sub_navigation":"","_birdpress_sub_navigation_title":false,"_birdpress_anchor_navigation_id":0,"_birdpress_anchor_navigation":"","_birdpress_postType":"both","_birdpress_categoryID":0,"_birdpress_tagID":0,"_birdpress_parentPostID":0,"_birdpress_parentPostTitle":"","_birdpress_menuID":0,"_birdpress_menuName":"","_birdpress_listHeader":"","_birdpress_listLayout":"card-display","_birdpress_listColumns":"","_birdpress_maxItems":12,"_birdpress_listPaginate":true,"_birdpress_displaySort":true,"_birdpress_sortOrder":"DESC","_birdpress_sortBy":"date","_birdpress_listID":"","_birdpress_listClass":"","_birdpress_displayImages":true,"_birdpress_displayCaptions":false,"_birdpress_displayExcerpts":false,"_birdpress_attTop":"","_birdpress_attBottom":"","_birdpress_showLogos":false,"_birdpress_post_logo":0,"mc4wp_mailchimp_campaign":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,33],"tags":[],"content-format":[],"class_list":["post-1469","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-free-resources-6-8","category-free-resources-9-12"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1469"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1469\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1469"},{"taxonomy":"content-format","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content-format?post=1469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}