Science Educators BirdSleuth!
Educators at nature centers and on Refuges, teachers in afterschool or summer programs, and leaders of 4-H and scouting groups can all use BirdSleuth to engage kids in outdoor study and exciting scientific inquiry!
BirdSleuth can work perfectly well outside the formal classroom. In fact, because the curriculum is inquiry-based, the more flexibility and time you have to complete lessons and explore topics, the better! Each of the BirdSleuth modules scaffolds one or more Citizen Science projects. Many educators have told us that participating in these projects is very motivating for students, especially students who might not typically excel in science. Kids like that their study has real-world importance, and that the data they collect is actually used by scientists!
Working with students?
These BirdSleuth resources might suit you:
BirdSleuth: Most Wanted Birds and BirdSleuth: Exploring Bird Behavior are directed towards children in grades 4-8. The lessons are written so they work best with groups of students. Both modules encourage careful outdoor observation and asking scientific questions. Either project will work well year-round. Lessons can be completed every day over the course of one or more weeks, or you can complete a lesson once or twice a week over the course of several months.
The Science Investigator's Kit for Homeschoolers is geared towards indivudual students and small groups doing work on a 2nd through 4th grade level. The Kit scaffolds the Project FeederWatch citizen science project, which operates November through April each year.
Consider using the free online resource, BirdSleuth: Investigating Evidence to extend what the kids have learned through the other modules. The module will help you support students as they answer the questions they've begun to develop. It's authentic inquiry at its best!
Keep in mind that while the materials were developed with a specific audience in mind, most educators find the materials easily adaptable to a wider range of students! We'd love to hear how you use BirdSleuth in your programming! Email us at birdsleuth@cornell.edu.
Working with Educators?
If you need to train teachers or provide programming at your center, consider becoming a BirdSleuth Ambassador and offering a teacher professional development workshop. Alternatively, we can work with you to bring BirdSleuth staff to your site for teacher workshops.
