Astoria Park Elementary
Tallahassee, Florida
Gifted and Talented Program
Raptor Force
Fall, 2008
Teacher: Mrs. Sandy Beck
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The word "raptor," which comes from a Latin word that means "to seize,” is used to describe a group of birds, also known as "birds of prey," that capture, kill and eat other animals.
Scientists and engineers have turned to these mighty birds – from red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures, to great horned owls and peregrine falcons – as the inspiration for aircraft design.
Students will learn about the unique adaptations that have helped raptors master the skies: their extraordinary anatomy, legendary hearing and sight, behavior, hunting skills and their ability to maneuver and soar above the earth.
During some classes, a live hawk, owl or other raptor will be perched in our classroom for the class to observe.
Through exciting science demonstrations, activities and experiments, some courtesy of the Challenger Learning Center and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, students will discover what nature’s raptors have in common with Raptor fighter jets and other aircraft and how an airplane weighing many tons can fly through the air as if it were as light as a feather.
On a November 12th field trip to Lively Technical Center's Aviation School students will get up close and personal with aircraft and learn about careers in aviation.
Students will also work on such diverse projects as an illustrated timeline of the history of aviation and writing and performing a "Greek myth" about flight.
Class Paticipation/Field Trip Permission Form
Internet Access Form
Final evaluation essay for gifted students
Class Links
Birds of Prey
Taxonomy: Order Falconiformes (Diurnal Birds of Prey in Tallahassee)
The Principles of Aeronautics – Aerodynamics of Animals
Raptor Coloring Book
Soaring Raptor ID Quiz
BioKIDS: Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species
Mrs. Beck's raptors Sea Eagles at War (YouTube)
One-winged Eagle Flies Again! (YouTube)
Aircraft
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Wright Brothers' Videos on the Forces of Flight
F-22 Raptor Jet in Flight (YouTube)
Flight Operations on the US Kitty Hawk (YouTube)
Photos of Air Force Jets
Kites
Kites: A Guide for Students
A Brief History of Kites
Simple Sled Kite Design
NASA Sled Kite Activity