This lesson introduces students to facts about eagles through online research and class discussion. Students will then use their knowledge to create short stories that interweave real eagle facts with imaginative elements. The stories can follow various formats, such as what might happen if an eagle appeared in a backyard. Students will present their stories to the class. The goal is to engage students in learning about eagles while practicing writing, research, and presentation skills.

1. Eagles in the Classroom
Introduction: Eagles have been in our pop culture in several different ways. From being a famous music
group to being in sports, eagles have had a story to tell. Now students get the chance to create their
own story about eagles based on the facts.
Subject Areas: English
Grade Level: 6-8
Lesson Objectives:
1) Students will participate in class for brainstorming
2) Students will practice note taking and determining key ideas/facts
3) Students will practice intertwining facts with imagination
4) Students will practice using proper grammar to develop a story
5) Students will practice presenting in front of a group
Estimated Time: Two to three 40-minute class periods
Materials Needed:
1) Websites that have good information for students to find with eagles:
http://americaneaglefoundation.com/vu-study.php
Great site on all levels of a bald eagles life
http://www.defenders.org/bald-eagle/basic-facts
Easily laid out information about eagles
http://sciencespot.net/Pages/kdzeagles.html

2. Information not only with eagles but also the symbol of them with our
nation and interactive games
http://animals.howstuffworks.com/endangered-species/bald-eagle-
conservation1.htm
Timeline of the survival of eagles
2) For Teachers: Common questions kids have about eagles:
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/search/BaldEagle.html#Life
3) If teachers want to show videos about eagles for opening activity:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/american-eagle/introduction/4201/
Procedures:
1) Have a picture of an eagle on the board or overhead when students walk into the room. Begin
discussion about what students know about eagles.
2) Write the facts the students come up with on the board.
3) From the facts on the board have the students create a story that can be fun and creative yet
possible. Make sure you underline/highlight to the students the facts you have used in the story.
4) After the exercise explain to students the assignment. That they will get to create their own
story.
5) Teachers may choose from three variations or have students pick out their own.
What if an Eagle were in your backyard? Create a story where they would live/eat/etc.
What if story in general. Based off of the facts you’ve learned about eagles what’s a
ridiculous yet possible story you could create?
Research news articles about the eagle and find a unique story to relate to the class.
6) Give students class time to research further into the eagle to create their story

3. 7) Depending on class time have students present their stories
Assessment Suggestions:
1) Students could receive participation grades for discussion activities
2) Students could receive participation points for staying on task
3) Teacher determines how many facts need to be included in final product.
4) Students could receive points for presentations
5) Students could receive grades for their finished project
Extension Activities:
1) Teachers could have students add pictures and drawings of their story to the project. Create a
comic strip to help with visualization
2) Students could create their stories in groups and then act them out in front of the class
3) Teachers could go more in depth and make their own stories to show students.
4) Present and display stories on the wall