Murmuration Exploration

Did I just hear a murmur? Or was it a murmuration? Explore the difference between these two terms and the science of a murmuration in your classroom!

Start by sourcing a definition of both a murmur and a murmuration from your students. Explain that while a murmur is a low, indistinct sound, a murmuration is a flock of starlings that move together, creating beautiful shapes in the sky (play this Flight of the Starlings video from National Geographic for reference).

Afterwards, task students with researching an animal they’re curious about, either in small groups or individually. Specifically, ask them to research how their animal uses formation and communicates with one another, just like the starlings do.

Once the research is complete, have each group or student present their animal to the class. As they present their animal, prompt the class to get on their feet and create a dance sequence that imitates how the animal moves. Bonus points if your class can mimic the formations that the animal creates! This may look like balancing on one leg like a flamboyance of flamingos, jumping like a pod of dolphins or parading like a line of army ants.

Culminate by reflecting on all the different ways that animals communicate and what your class’s favorite was.

To support this unit, use The Shape(s) of Us Activity.