BIO 117 - Birds of Michigan

1. Participate in the process of science.
   1. Make observations
   2. Design, conduct experiments
   3. Formulate and test hypothesis
   4. Collect data
   5. Analyze data
   6. Draw conclusions
   7. Report results
   8. Analyze and revise
2. Work collaboratively with classmates and instructor.
   1. Participate in field exercises with 1-3 classmates.
   2. Share the workload in each field experience.
   3. Share experience of acquiring, transporting, cleaning, and storing equipment used in class.
   4. Share ideas and effectively dialogue with classmates.
3. Demonstrate the competent use of instruments and technology used in the field for identification and understanding of birds and their behavior.
   1. Use metric systems and typical devices to measure mass, length, volume and temperature.
   2. Follow directions provided with various kinds of scientific equipment.
   3. Use a binoculars, spotting scope, wind and light meter, and triangulation devices.
4. Competently communicate about both resident and migratory birds of Michigan. In addition, the student will understand the relationship of bird species to their biotic and abiotic environment.
   1. Read critically
   2. Write effectively
   3. Listen actively
   4. Speak effectively
   5. Be able to interpret graphs, charts
   6. Compile a journal summarizing appropriate activities
5. Demonstrate the ability to think critically.
   1. Integrate concepts.
   2. Solve problems.
   3. Draw logical conclusions.
   4. Carefully examine evidence.
   5. Correlate relationships.
   6. Distinguish between simple correlation and cause and effect.
6. Demonstrate competence in preparation of and participation in field activities.
   1. Participate in field activities and use appropriate equipment to conduct field activities.
   2. Select appropriate dress and equipment for overnight experience or single-day experience.
   3. Demonstrate safe and appropriate behavior during sessions.
   4. Use keys and resource books to identify and set perspective of natural history of organisms.
   5. Measure and characterize individual species members and their environmental significance.
   6. Report the results of outdoor studies conducted during sessions.
7. Identify and describe birds and their behavior. Relate species and behavior to living and non-living environment.
   1. Identify biotic and abiotic factors in appropriate settings.
   2. Describe the niche and habitat concept.
   3. Differentiate between a community and an ecosystem.
   4. List components of an ecosystem.
   5. Describe and identify individual and groups of trees and shrubs.
   6. Recognize symbiotic and synergistic relationships in ecosystems visited.
   7. Explain natural history of key species.
   8. Understand migration and relate to seasonal habitats.
   9. Understand historical significance of key species.
   10. Relate environmental factors to diversity, abundance and quality of species observed.
8. Describe how the biotic elements in the ecosystems change over time and location in Michigan.
   1. Recognize the types of succession.
   2. Understand the process of succession.
   3. Identify and describe key trees and shrubs in relationship to avian territories and feeding habits.
   4. Be able to predict species location according to habitat and ecosystem.
   5. Understand inter- and intra- specific relationships seasonally.
   6. Describe the relationships of nestlings, fledglings and adults over seasons.
   7. Describe the structure of plant communities in relation to bird diversity and