Craig Symes, a PhD student at the University of Pretoria, South Africa decided to do a project on pigeons with his group of 4-6 young scientists. Pigeons are common urban birds which easily allowed him to teach learners about preparing a project, collecting data (different sampling methods), analysing results, and preparing a final project poster. Project PigeonWatch provided the protocols and structure for this wonderful international project!

Craig says, "We counted colour morphs in Pretoria, in three regions of the city; 1) the city centre (Church Square), 2) the university campus and, 3) residential suburbs. We also compared these data (combined) with other cities around the world. One of the students visited Italy and I counted birds in Madrid (Spain) and Galway (Ireland)."

Students created an exciting poster and report on the project, presented their findings, and submitted their work for publication at a local bird club newsletter.

The project preparation, collection of data, data analysis, and comprehensive sharing of results with peers and the public is a model for other educators who want to immerse their students in the scientific process.

Read an interview by students about their participation in the project.