This article supports teachers of lower primary and preschool children to introduce a study of local birds, the type of investigations considered to be part of wider environmental education. It is of a practical nature and incorporates resources and ideas that the author has found useful in her work with children and with pre-service student…

Students love learning outdoors, but how do you ensure they are absorbing the science and gaining skills as they do so? The authors found a way--a fourth-grade classroom teacher, a gifted/science resource teacher, and a group of fourth graders--embarked on a yearlong study of birds and the plants they depend on. They used their school yard as the…

Compelling evidence illustrates place-based education (PBE) as a catalyst for inspiring teachers to create dynamic curricula that energizes the student. PBE curriculum typically encompasses all traditional subjects and entails hands-on classroom and field studies utilizing the natural world and local community. The purpose of this literature…

List of materials needed and procedures are provided for (1) making wobbly bird figures out of plastic pantyhose eggs; and (2) making parrot puppets out of household items. Although geared for art, the activities can be used to complement activities in science or other subjects. (JN)

Various winter activities and experiences for young children are suggested. These include a getting ready for winter walk in the fall, winter birds, winter clothing, traveling in winter, winter sky watch, and others. (JN)

Provides (1) background information on the many ways birds keep fit and are adapted to survive; (2) student activities on this topic; and (3) ready-to-copy materials (a game, worksheet, and coloring pages). Each activity includes an objective, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. (JN)

Describes science activities related to Christmas and Thanksgiving, including identification of evergreen trees, tree shapes, pine cone and needle collections, edible decorations, and instructions for preparing bird food called "bird pudding." (SK)

Presents background information and activities that focus on how birds are classified, how they are different from other animals, and the main characteristics of the class "Aves." Activities include an objective, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. Two ready-to-copy pages with bird illustrations are…

Provides (1) background information on ways birds affect humans and how humans affect birds; (2) student activities on this topic; and (3) ready-to-copy materials (crossword puzzle and worksheet). Each activity includes an objective, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. (JN)

Presents (1) a list of 27 questions about birds (with answers); (2) a glossary with bird-related words; and (3) a bibliography listing general reference books, field guides, references on attracting birds, children's books, audiovisual aids, records and videos, articles and related items appearing in "Ranger Rick" magazine, and other materials.…

Suggests using ring doves in the classroom for observing behavior patterns and the entire reproductive cycle. Requirements for space, food, and care are minimal and easily obtained. Students can observe: male participation in nest-building; care of young; and (using candlelight) embryos and heartbeats because of the thin egg shells these birds…

Presents ideas for teaching ecology in the winter. Suggested topic areas or units include snow insulation and density, snowflakes and snow crystals, goldenrod galls, bird behavior, survival techniques, bacteriology and decomposition, trees and keying, biomass and productivity, pollution, and soil organisms. A sample student activity sheet is…

Provides background information and student activities on bird nesting, singing, finding a mate, incubating eggs, and raising the young. Each activity includes an objective, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. A ready-to-copy student worksheet is included. (JN)

Building specifications for birdhouses (nesting boxes) are given for 11 species (chickadee, titmouse, nuthatch, Carolina wren, house wren, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, flicker, bluebird, screech owl, and wood duck) including length, width, depth, entrance diameter, and height above the ground. Pointers for construction, materials, and…

Provides background information and student activities on bird habitats, how birds have adapted to living in these habitats, and bird migration. Each activity includes an objective, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. Ready-to-copy student materials (puzzles and worksheets) are included. (JN)