Why do birds migrate? Year 1 Investigate

The children in Year 1 have been learning about migration and were particularly fascinated by the reasons why birds migrate and the dangers they face during their journeys. They discovered that swallows arrive in the UK in spring and migrate to South Africa for the winter. The children were amazed to learn that seasons in the southern hemisphere occur at opposite times of the year compared to the northern hemisphere.

They also explored why some birds, such as robins, blue tits, and blackbirds, do not migrate. A lively discussion followed about how migrating birds navigate such long distances without a map. The children learned that birds have a special chemical in their eyes that allows them to sense the Earth’s magnetic field, helping them to find their way. This remarkable ability, known as the Quantum Effect, captured their imagination.

To bring their learning to life, the children went on a “migrating bird hunt,” using binoculars to search for birds and observe their behaviour.