Building Literacy Through Nature

Resources and links for the Building Literacy Through Nature curriculum.

Tips for Taking Students Outside.

Lesson 1: What Makes a Bird a Bird? Students learn the features that make birds unique. Then, they meet four local bird species. Finally, students conclude with an introduction to citizen science.

• Bird Cam Clips: Ithaca Winter Feeders and Red-tailed Hawk
• All About Birds Online Field Guide: is an extensive, easy-to-use guide for identifying birds found in North America. The guide also includes information on the habitat needs of each species, so that you can make your space more habitable for the birds in your area.
• The “You Can Be a Citizen Scientist” video explains the basics of citizen science and why anyone can participate.
• See past entries and live eBird submissions with this map.

Lesson 2: Size and Shape: Students learn that there are many different kinds of birds. Each bird can be identified by unique size and shape.

• “Inside Birding: Size and Shape” video introduces the first key on how to better identify birds.
• Bird groups silhouettes (blank and labeled)

Lesson 3: Color Pattern: Students continue to identify birds, now with color pattern and plumage. This allows them to notice more specific species and different aged birds.

• “Inside Birding: Color Pattern” video explains how you can use color and plumage as a bird ID tool.

Lesson 4: Behavior and Habitat: Students discover what makes a bird’s habitat (food, water, shelter etc.). They learn how examining habitats is important to identifying a bird.

• “Inside Birding: Habitat” video introduces the powerful role that habitat plays in identifying birds.

Lesson 5: Becoming eBird Citizen Scientists: Students collects data that help scientists understand birds.

• You can log your sightings on the eBird submit page.
• See past entries and live eBird submissions with this map.
• The eBird species map allows you to search for eBird sightings by species in any area.