Are Birds to Blame for No More Fireworks?

Introduction

The 4th of July is a time of celebration for many - a festive day that traditionally ends with firework displays. Who doesn't love the burst of colors and sounds across a night sky?! Well, as it turns out....some types of birds.

For many years the Town of Barnstable’s 4th of July fireworks display occurred in Lewis Bay, in Hyannis, MA. The location of the fireworks barge in Lewis Bay met environmental buffer requirements from Kalmus Beach, where there is a known population of piping plovers, a type of endangered nesting shorebird. 

Within the last 15 years, Great Island in neighboring Yarmouth began changing and shifting towards the Lewis Bay barge location. Starting in 2009, the landform had developed enough for piping plovers to nest.  This population was being monitored by the Massachusetts Audubon Society who reported data annually to Mass Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (“NHESP”).  

Despite growing concerns and warnings, the fireworks display went on as planned on July 4, 2021. The display was documented by NHESP as a violation of the Endangered Species Act, which led to consequences for the Town.

There have been no more 4th of July fireworks in Lewis Bay since.

So what's the big deal with these birds? Let's find out!

 

Task

For this quest, you will dig a little deeper into the controversy surrounding piping plover conservation measures on Cape Cod. You will work with a partner to focus on three specific aspects of the issue, and create a Google Slideshow to present what you have learned. The presentation will be on display during a classroom gallery walk, during which time you should be prepared to answer any questions that may arise. The goal is to focus on what has been done so far, as well as possible solutions for the future. 

Process

In order to successfully complete this quest, you should follow the steps below (and refer to the provided Criteria for Success in the grading rubric).

1. Find Your Partner!

For many assignments in this class, you have the option to work individually if you want. For this activity, you are being asked to collaborate for the research and development of a presentation. You should work with someone who is equally committed to putting in time and effort.

2. Complete Your Research!

Use the information listed below to begin researching the different aspects of the project. Be sure to have clear expectations with your partner about who is responsible for which parts of the assignment. You can use the provided webpages to begin, but can branch out as needed. Please make sure you include a link to every webpage that is used in the project.

3. Create a Slideshow!

Use Google Slides to create a slideshow that follows this format:

  • Slide 1: Create a title slide that introduces the project topic and names the partners involved

 

  • Slide 2: Provide a description and at least 2 photos of piping plovers

 

  • Slide 3: Explain the migratory patterns for piping plovers, as well as their habitat; include at least 1 map and 1 photo of their typical habitat

 

  • Slide 4: What are their current population numbers? Include total population numbers, as well as best estimates for MA and Cape Cod specifically

 

  • Slide 5: Explain issue #1 (Habitat loss due to human development), and a specific example (eg. beach) where piping plovers have been impacted by this issue on Cape Cod

 

  • Slide 6: Provide 2 specific actions that could help to solve issue #1 (Habitat loss due to human development)

 

  • Slide 7: Explain issue #2 (People get too close with pet dogs), and a specific example (eg. beach) where piping plovers have been impacted by this issue on Cape Cod

 

  • Slide 8: Provide 2 specific actions that could help to solve issue #2 (People get too close with pet dogs)

 

  • Slide 9: Explain issue #3 (People get too close with off-road vehicles), and a specific example (eg. beach) where piping plovers have been impacted by this issue on Cape Cod

 

  • Slide 10: Provide 2 specific actions that could help to solve issue #3 (People get too close with off-road vehicles)

 

  • Slide 11: Include a list of webpage links that were used as resources, and thank people for taking the time to look at your work

4. Share Your Work!

Share your slideshow with Ms. G before the deadline, so she can get it ready for display at the gallery walk

5. Be Ready for the Gallery Walk!

Be prepared to answer any questions that come up during the gallery walk

Evaluation
Criteria for Success 4 - Excellent 3 - Well Done 2 - Needs Improvement 1 - Incomplete
  • Accuracy
 All required information is included, is correct, and is explained well Most required information is included, is correct, and is explained  Some required information is included, is correct, and is explained No required information is included, is correct, or is explained well
  • Design
 Slides are organized, follow the template provided, and are easy to understand visually Slides are mostly organized, follow the template provided, and are easy to understand visually Slides are somewhat organized, follow the template provided, and are easy to understand visually Slides are not organized, do not follow the template provided, and/or are not easy to understand visually
  • Collaboration
 Both partners contributed equally Both partners contributed, mostly equally One partner clearly contributed more than the other One or both partners contributed nothing to the project
  • Gallery Walk
 Both partners are engaged and ready to answer questions at the gallery walk Both partners are mostly engaged and ready to answer questions at the gallery walk One partner is more engaged and ready to answer questions at the gallery walk than the other Neither partners are engaged or ready to answer questions at the gallery walk
Conclusion

Congratulations - you have successfully completed this quest and now have a better understanding of why piping plovers are an important environmental indicator species! Next time you hear someone grumbling about the lack of July 4th fireworks in Lewis Bay, you will be ready to defend the honor of these mighty birds. 

If you are interested in engaging in an ongoing citizen science project that will benefit piping plovers, please click the link provided: https://www.citizenscience.gov/catalog/184/#

Lastly, take a moment to reflect on what you have learned and whether or not any of your personal activities impact the survival rate of piping plovers.

Credits
Teacher Page