On down the trail near the edge of some trees, I built a bird blind in cooperation with a zoologist from a local university. The area is full of native plant species that will attract birds with a wooden bird blind for observation. The students, standing behind the blind, are able to observe and analyze different behaviors of our local birds or, using pictures and video captured from bird cameras, students will look for trends while still in the classroom or at home.
I designed the bird blind to be used by all the grades in our school. Our sixth grade students use the bird blind to experience bird species close-up for the very first time, enjoying the new sights and sounds coming from the bird groups. After student interest has been peaked, I have trained our seventh grade teachers to use Thayer birding software to teach recognition of most common birds and their characteristics. The eighth grade project I designed allows students to set up inquiry explorations of their choice. Does the type of bird feeder affect the amount of species observed? Does the phase of the moon effect the amount of food birds eat? The previous questions are examples of the unlimited potential inquiries that students have and will continue to investigate.
Click here for Bird Blind Graphic organizer
Click here for example of student work
I designed the bird blind to be used by all the grades in our school. Our sixth grade students use the bird blind to experience bird species close-up for the very first time, enjoying the new sights and sounds coming from the bird groups. After student interest has been peaked, I have trained our seventh grade teachers to use Thayer birding software to teach recognition of most common birds and their characteristics. The eighth grade project I designed allows students to set up inquiry explorations of their choice. Does the type of bird feeder affect the amount of species observed? Does the phase of the moon effect the amount of food birds eat? The previous questions are examples of the unlimited potential inquiries that students have and will continue to investigate.
Click here for Bird Blind Graphic organizer
Click here for example of student work