In this short unit of study, kindergarten students will learn about adaptations and behaviors that both domesticated and wild animals implement to protect themselves and their young.  This unit is a series of 3 video lessons and 2 field-based lessons.

As a result of this program students will be able to:
 Explain why birds build nests and describe their different locations and types.
 Understand that different materials exhibit different strengths and weaknesses for construction.
 Understand that some birds migrate to Maryland to reproduce.

As the program is aimed at a wide age range, the focus of the program changes slightly across grades:
o 1st focus: how birds construct nests and how individuals can vary.
o 2nd focus: diversity of birds and different approaches to nest construction.
o 3rd focus: bird life cycles with a focus on breeding.
o 4th focus: birds have external structures to support reproduction.
o 5th focus: engineering a nest design that passes multiple tests.

Objectives:
Students will identify the four basic needs of animals.
Students will explain why a habitat might or might not be appropriate for a particular animal.
Students will recognize the need to maintain clean air and water for animal survival.