New Jersey State Bird Endangered by Climate Change?
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by CBS New York
What it is
- This brief local news story is about the possible climate migration of the Eastern Goldfinch, the state bird of New Jersey.
- According to the video, the Eastern Goldfinch may begin to move out of New Jersey either northward or up in elevation to adapt to changes in the local climate.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The journalist interviews Eric Stiles, the President of the New Jersey Audubon Society, about the possible disappearance of the goldfinch.
- Stiles also mentions how human activities are impacting pollinator populations.
Prerequisites
- There may be an ad before or after the video.
- The Eastern Goldfinch was adopted as the state bird of New Jersey in 1935.
- The Eastern Goldfinch is also called the American Goldfinch.
Differentiation & Implementation
- This video has a local focus on New Jersey, but the concept can be applied to many areas around the world that are experiencing changes in average temperature and precipitation.
- Science classes can use this video when discussing ecosystems, habitat loss, population dynamics, and ecology.
- The video interviews a local individual who discusses her love of New Jersey's state bird, which can be integrated into lessons about empathy, the emotional connections people have to their location, and social-emotional development.
- Other resources about species migrations, the climate benefits of protecting natural habitats, and ecosystem changes include this Crash Course video about ecosystem changes, this video about nature-based solutions to climate change, and this article and podcast about Florida manatees and their seagrass habitat changes.
From the scientist review
Climate change has threatened New Jersey's State bird, the Goldfinch, which is a black and yellow North American bird. Rising temperatures in recent years have forced these bird species to migrate northward to settle in Canada. The resource highlights the need to take urgent climate actions to save the birds from extinction. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Ready to use it?
Hosted on youtube.com
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
