The Chicago Academy of Sciences
presents
Flight for Survival
Overview of Video and Guide
Human activities have greatly affected the eagle population. Flight for
Survival highlights some of these effects and shows us what is being
done to reduce them. For example, the ingestion of pesticides such as DDT
have disrupted the reproductive system of female eagles. Also, the growing
human population has reduced the eagles' natural habitat by polluting the
lakes and streams they use for feeding and by reducing their nesting and
roosting sites. At the same time, hunting and lead poisoning from shotgun
shells have killed many eagles.
Scientists have attempted to reverse the eagles' population decline in many
ways. Environmentalists have worked to ban DDT. Others have reintroduced
eagles to areas from which they had previously disappeared. These projects,
as explained in the video, have been successful, and now the bald eagle
has been taken off the federal endangered species list.
The goals of the video and this Science Explorers guide are
to:
1. develop in students a sensitivity to the environment.
2. illustrate examples of how we can live in harmony with nature.
3. sensitize students to the need for preservation of endangered species.
4. explore career opportunities in science-related fields.
Table of Contents
This abridged guide was developed from a more comprehensive guide created
by a writing team of teachers, educational staff of the host Science Explorer
Partner, and cooperating scientists. The comprehensive guide contains classroom
activities, field trips, and career information to encourage students to
consider science careers and have fun in science. The comprehensive guides
were developed with the support of the Office of Science Education Programs
of the U.S. Department of Energy.
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