Welcome to another exciting edition of Cranetivities! This week we are learning more about our crane friends from down under – the Brolgas! See last week’s edition of Cranetivities here.
Activity Description: Brolgas are only found in Australia and a small region of Papua New Guinea. They are one of the tallest flying birds in Australia, averaging a height of five feet tall! Brolgas got their name from the aboriginal (indigenous people of Australia) language of Gamilaraay, in which they are called burralga. In this activity you will hear the story of how the Brolgas got their name, learn about Brolga behavior and find out how to stay cool this summer, just like the Brolgas.
Grades: 3 to 5
Time estimate: 1 hour
Topics covered: Art, reading and conservation science
Materials needed: Internet connection, for shadow puppets: black construction paper, wooden skewers, tape/glue, scissors and pen
Adult Involvement: Minimal
Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor
Links:
Australian Aboriginal Crane Dance
Brolga Dances and Behavior Video
Work Plan:
Brolgas are one of Australia’s most iconic birds. They are featured in many stories and traditional dances of the aboriginal people. The aboriginal people of Australia have deep connections with the land and animals and base many traditional stories on characters like the emu, kangaroo rat and crane. This story is all about how the Brolgas got their name and why they dance – click here to view.