Free Downloads

Thanks to generous grants and sponsorships, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is able to provide free resources for both formal and informal educators. Our detailed lesson plans and activities allow educators to save time while meeting standards!

  • Students as Scientists: Nature-Based Inquiry

    Students as Scientists: Nature-Based Inquiry units features two teachers guides, one for grades K-5 and the other for grades 6-12.

  • Students as Scientists Recommended Book List

    Explore picture books that will help your students understand the science process, explore diverse scientists, and think like a scientist!

  • Spark Student Curiosity with a Feeder Design Challenge Guide

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  • Spark Student Curiosity Through Wildlife Cams Guide

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  • eBird K-2 cover
    Free eBird K-2 Lesson

    What is a habitat and what’s in it? Build literacy through habitat exploration with your free eBird Explorers: Building Literacy Through Nature K-2 lesson download. The lesson uses four fun activities to take students on a learning adventure about bird…

  • FeederWatch Classroom Guide

     Project FeederWatch (PFW) is a November-April survey of birds that visit schoolyards, backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America.  To sign up for PFW, visit their website here.

    This FeederWatch Classroom Guide helps educators engage their K-8th…

  • Window Bird Feeder
    Feathered Friends

    Engaging science lessons brought to you by your local birds! Our friends at Pennington Wild Birds are working with us to educate and engage children in the pleasures of feeding and watching birds with this free download.

  • Guidebook
    Explorer’s Guidebook

    K-12 Education wants to help you get kids outside and enjoying their local parks and natural areas. Take kids on a habitat scavenger hunt, create a sound map, and test bird ID skills with this adaptable activity book.

  • eBird Essentials for Educators Guide

    Participatory science projects like eBird can help make concrete connections between classroom learning and life skills, preparing your students with the tools they need to thrive in the world. This guide gives educator-tested tips, tools, and activities for scaffolding students…

  • “Students as Scientists” Resources for K-5th Grade

    Find all the supporting resources you need to implement Students as Scientist in K-5th grade classrooms.