The Wandering Albatross

Information for Teachers

Curriculum links

Australian Science Standards

BS (ACSSU43) Structural features and adaptations of living things assist their survival

SS01.3 Sustainable patterns of living rely on the interdependence of healthy social, economic and ecological systems

SS01.8 Designing action for sustainability requires an evaluation of past practices, the assessment of scientific and technological developments, and balanced judgements based on projected future economic, social and environmental impacts

New Zealand Science Achievement Objectives

LW:  The key structural features and functions to the life processes of plants and animals

LW: The importance of variation within a changing environment

How to search the internet

1 Keep your request short

Fewer words will give a more accurate search.

2 Choose exactly what you want

For example: Arctic Circle Climate

3 Use quotes

Double quotes around a set of words tell the search engine to consider those exact words in that exact order without any change. For example: “Arctic Circle Climate”

4 Use the plus sign (+)

If you add a plus sign (+) between words, the internet will search for all the words. For example: migrate+birds+whales+mammal

5 Use the minus sign (–) to say what you don’t want

Use a minus sign (–) to show words you do not want to appear in your results. For example: if you search for burrowing animals and do not want mammals in your search,  –mammals will exclude mammals. Note that you need to put a space before the minus sign for the word to be excluded.

6 Be very clear about what you don’t want

Part 1
Ask questions and make predictions

After reading The Wandering Albatross, you may have many questions about this seabird or other long distance flying seabirds.

List your questions.

  • Compare your list with questions that others have.
  • Choose a question you would like to investigate.
  • You can work alone, with a partner, or in a small group.

You may want to choose one or more of these questions to investigate

Q1. How does this seabird survive in this harsh environment?

Q2. How is this bird able to fly such long distances?

Q3. What are the dangers to this bird?

Q4. What are people doing to protect this bird?

Go to Part 2 Plan and investigate →

Part 2
Plan and investigate

Do searches in the internet or in books or talk to people who can help to find the information you are looking for.

Your teacher may suggest suitable websites for further information.

Go to Part 3 Record and analyse data →

Part 3
Record and analyse data

Find a way of recording your information that will allow you to see any patterns in the data. Choose another long distance flying sea bird such as the Arctic Tern, the Frigatebird, or another bird you know about

Data Chart for The Wandering Albatross

Download Chart
Go to Part 4 Evaluate the information →

Part 4
Evaluate the information

1. Look over the information you have gathered and the patterns you have found.

How are some seabirds able to fly long distances?

Why do they need to do this?

How do they conserve energy?

How do they rest?

2. Search for other patterns.

Do these animals need to stop along the way? Why?

What might happen if there was no food for them?

3. Makes notes about what you find.

Go to Part 5 Communicate and share ideas →

Part 5
Communicate and share ideas

Look over all of the information that you have gathered in your investigation.

What are the most important ideas about long distance flying seabirds?

Make a chart showing the most important ideas.

Download Chart
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