Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about BirdSleuth materials or resources? Check here, and if you can't find an answer, send a quick email to birdsleuth@cornell.edu.
May I make copies of my BirdSleuth curriculum?
As a general rule, every BirdSleuth teacher should own their own copy of the curriculum. With that in mind, you are welcome to make one copy of the Investigator's Journal and one copy of the Resource Pages for each child that you teach every year you use the curriculum.
What age/grade level is BirdSleuth geared towards?
Each BirdSleuth module is designed with a specific student audience in mind.
- BirdSleuth: Most Wanted Birds is directed towards classroom students, grades 4 through 8.
- BirdSleuth: Exploring Bird Behavior is appropriate for classroom students, grades 4 through 8.
- The Science Investigator's Kit for Homeschoolers is geared towards homeschool students and groups doing work on a 2nd through 4th grade level.
- The upcoming release of a bird reproduction module will be designed for upper-middle and high school classroom students.
- BirdSleuth: Investigating Evidence is good for all grade levels, but will be most effective for students grades 4 through 12.
While we've written the materials with a specific audience in mind, most educators find the materials easily adaptable to a wider range of students!
How does BirdSleuth conform to my state education standards?
BirdSleuth will meet many science inquiry standards. Because it is driven by inquiry, the content standards you can teach through the modules are quite broad: habitat, adaptations, life cycles, diversity, to name a few. It is also useful in teaching math and technology in an authentic context. Currently, we're working on a section of the website that will include state-by-state information on specific standards. If you're a BirdSleuth educator interested in helping us compile information about the standards from your state, email Jennifer Fee at jms327@cornell.edu to get started!
I'm interested in expanding BirdSleuth in my classroom or district through habitat improvements, a teacher professional development workshop, or classroom sponsorship. Where can I find funding and educational grants to help?
While every community is different, there are a number of outlets to turn to for grant money to finance BirdSleuth workshops, or even find classroom sponsors! Click here for more information to get you started!
How can I raise funds for BirdSleuth and related birding projects?
We have compiled a number of useful ideas and resources that should help in raising funds for feeders, seed, fields guides and more. Click here to check them out!
