Is that weird tidbit you heard science fact or science false? As part of scientific literacy, we want kids to think critically about what they hear and be able to tell research whether it is the real deal or a pile of myths.
Is it a fact or myth?
Investigate this common advice and declare it FACT or MYTH!
- Birds reject their babies after they have been touched by humans
Parents/Teachers
- Print the Fact or Myth sheet
- Present the statement
- ONLY use the provided resources and helps if the kids are really stuck
- Discuss with the kids what they’ve found!
Kids
- Fill in the “prediction” portion of the Fact or Myth sheet first
- Investigate the statement
- List your sources and fill in the “reality” portion of the Fact or Myth sheet
Fact or Myth ANSWERS
The kids need to have the skills to research the truth behind these statements but we’ve put together a little cheat sheet for you parents 😉 You can use the resources below to nudge the kids in the right direction if they need it.
These are all online resources but we also suggest you hit your local library to find books on the same subject and search for answers there too.
Birds reject their babies after they have been touched by humans – MYTH
- Face or Fiction?: Birds (and Other Critters) Abandon Their Young at the Slightest Human Touch from Scientific American
- Ask a Wildlife Biologist Will a Mother Abandon Her Young If Handled – Alaska Fish and Wildlife News
- If I Handle a Baby Bird, Will the Parents Abandon it? from All About Birds – a short article about handling baby birds
- What to do if you find a fallen baby bird or nest – Tips from a Wildlife Biologist from Texas Parks and Wildlife – a very informative video
