Fifth graders release homing pigeon while studying about birds and history
A photo of the homing pigeon after it returned to its home.
Mr. Hart’s fifth grade science class at Juniata Elementary School is making educational connections across subjects. The class is studying vertebrates. They began by discussing birds and then talked about how birds can be utilized by people, which led to the connection with homing pigeons. Students learned about how these birds were used in WWI to carry messages. One particular pigeon, named Cher Ami (even after being shot), saved many solders. Mr. Hart brought in one of the homing pigeons that he raises, and the class released it on the soccer field during recess. When Mr. Hart returned home after school, the bird was already in its loft (waiting to be fed). It was a 26-mile flight!
