Why Citizen Science?

Through the Lab of Ornithology's Citizen Science Program, people across the continent help scientists by collecting data about their local birds and sending the information to scientists who study bird populations and conservation.  Students are especially motivated by and engaged with helping scientists and birds!

 “Scientists can’t be everywhere, so kids from all over can record data and send it in.”  Heidi, grade 7

Why Inquiry?

The BirdSleuth curriculum is designed to give students experience with the entire scientific process: observing birds carefully, collecting data, asking their own questions, drawing conclusions through research and observation, and publishing results. In this way, students become practicing scientists. Each spring the Lab publishes the national edition of a newsletter called Classroom BirdScope and a twice-annual web magazine called BirdSleuth Reports, which both feature student research and creative work—that’s real science by real kids!

"I highly recommend the BirdSleuth curriculum. Students are not only engaged in watching birds and learning about them, but they are learning about the nature of science as they conduct their own scientific investigations. My students also enjoy the fact that birdwatching takes them outdoors & out of the classroom each week."  Phil K, 7th/8th grade science teacher in Oregon

Curriculum Materials

BirdSleuth resources include Teacher's Guides, Reference Guides, Investigator's Journals, and resource kit materials, including Focus Bird Cards, Bird ID CD-Rom, and full-color posters.  For more details and to order, click here! 

You can also contact Jennifer at (607)254-2403 or email her at jms327@cornell.edu for more information.