Start these projects with eighth-graders by pointing out that there are more eagles than just the bald eagle. Have the class work together to create a list of other kinds of eagles, such as the golden eagle and the white-tail eagle. Assign an eagle to each group and have them compile information, such as about their habitat, how they take care of their young and their wingspan. You should explain how all eagles are prey birds and how they eat and digest their food. After all facts are compiled, have each group present their findings and hand you a card with five questions about their specific bird. Compile the cards along with a card with general facts from your lesson to create a game in which each group can compete for points by answering the questions correctly.
Not only is the eagle the official bird of the United States, other kinds of eagles have a history and symbolic heritage in various cultures. According to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaskan native cultures such as the Eyak and Haida trace their kinships to clans named after the Eagle. Divide students in groups and have them research how eagles are part of the history and heritage of people from around the world. For this project, keep a class map and use pins as each group identifies an eagle as an official bird or as featured on a particular stamp or currency. Have each group present at least one country’s or people’s use of eagle symbolism in past and current history.
Eagles also frequently occupy folklore and mythology. According to Trees for Life, the golden and white-tail eagles, for example, appear in Celtic folklore and mythology as old, wise birds capable of warning people or announcing the birth of heroes. Have students explore folklore and mythology using eagles from countries like Scotland, Wales and Greece, including ancient Greek mythology. Working in groups, ask the students to identify a story that they would like to illustrate. To keep the project manageable, tell the students they have to illustrate their stories with three to five pictures.
Have students explore eagles in various kinds of folk art by having groups focus on totem poles, statues, paintings from different countries, beading and tapestries. To keep this project culturally-sensitive, do not have the students trace the artwork, but rather have them describe the colors, the story depicted, symbolism and art or craft techniques used for each object. Each group should present images of the artwork and their findings to others in the class. Have the entire class work together to create a chart that describes folk art found around the world to invite some comparisons.