What affects the beak length of Island Scrub-jays on Santa Cruz Island?
The storyline in this STEM kit has students studying the Island Scrub-Jays which separated from mainland scrub-jays almost a million years ago and have some interesting differences now. Students will study the bird’s beak shape and size, their feeding performance, vocalizations and heritable traits to understand off-spring survival rates. Drs. Rebecca Cheek and Cameron Ghalambor helped develop this STEM kit.
Science and Engineering Practices include: 1) developing and using models; 2) analyzing and interpreting data; 3) using mathematics and computational data; 4) obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Crosscutting Concepts include: 1) patterns; 2) cause and effect; 3) scale, proportion, and quantity; 4) systems and system models; 5) stability and change in systems
Classroom Requirements
- 6th grade and up
- Moderate teacher preparation
- One to two class periods
- 30 students or less working in pairs
- Science notebooks
Island Scrub-jay STEM Kit Resources
- Going Viral STEM Kit Use Instructions (complete teacher guide)
- Presentation from the scientist (30 minutes)
- Field Data Template
- Science Notebook Template (for use in lieu of Science Notebooks)
- Science Notebook Template (Spanish version)
- Science Notebook Evaluation Rubric (coming soon)
- Magic traits: distinguishing the important from the trivial (journal article)
- Magic cues versus magic preferences in speciation (journal article)
Next Generation Science Standards: Disciplinary Core Ideas
Borrowing Island Scrub-jays STEM Kits
There is no charge to educators who wish to borrow any of our STEM kits. We appreciate applications be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the desired use date. The loan application forms require you to confirm your email address before it will be sent to the EOC – so once you click submit, check your email (including the junk folder)! You should also get a copy of the form for your records via email, if you don’t, please contact Jordan Conley (jordan.conley@colostate.edu).
- Local Pick-Up Loan Application Form – for educators in the immediate area of Fort Collins (i.e.: Greeley, Loveland, Ault, Windsor, Johnstown, etc.)
- Delivery Loan Application Form – for educators in Colorado outside of the immediate Fort Collins area
- Educator Feedback Survey – must be completed after returning kits to the NSEOC and before another kit can be requested
