In Colombia, BirdSleuth Program Sparks Kids’ Curiosity and Connections With Nature

NARRATOR: Cornell Lab educators provide resources and training to teachers across the globe that help them create opportunities for students to explore and care for their unique habitats.

TEACHER: I have always said that students don’t take care of what they don’t know. When we were doing observations, I realized that I know very little about what there is in my region.

TEACHER2: I think that as an elementary school teacher, my role is to grow, awake, and sustain in my kids the sense of wonder and the sensitivity to observe, and be aware of what it is around them. If we do not know our surroundings and its characteristics then we would not be able to take care of it.

STUDENT1: There were things I did not know until now.

STUDENT2: I truly liked to participate.

STUDENT 3: I have a different view about birds because before the workshop I did not know to distinguish them from one another and did not give careful attention while they were singing.

STUDENT 4: And doing walks…we become occupied in watching them, noticing what they are like. What species, what color, what size.

TEACHER 1: We know birds are there, but we don’t know the importance they hold. I think with the workshop it’s a way of helping them understand.

TEACHER 2: Knowing the diversity around us, would allow us to conduct and design projects to reinforce conservation, protection of our surroundings, and to promote the survival of animals.

STUDENT 3: Now, I began to like more this subject, and I am very interested.

TEACHER 2:  Without question the workshop’s content will help me to improve my teaching methods.

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