[obol] 7th/8th Grade Birders (Was 4th Grade Birders)

[Diane Cavaness]

John Pam wrote:
> Classroom FeederWatch has always been one that seems to work and doesn't
> cost all that much money. The only difference between Classroom 
> FeederWatch
> and BirdSleuth that I know is that there will now be 4 modules available
> instead of 1 and that the materials have been updated a bit. My
> understanding is that they have been substantially updated. The first 
> module
> is ready and has been beta tested by a number of teachers - including
> several in Oregon. The curriculum seems to be viable through middle school
> and several 7th grade teachers have highly recommended it on the Cornell
> website.


I am one of the 7th grade teachers from Oregon that are quoted on the 
BirdSleuth website. I field tested this curriculum in my classroom last 
year. It is substantially different from ClassroomBirdWatch in that the 
former program focused solely on birds at schoolyard feeders, while 
BirdSleuth is more general and encourages students to watch birds 
anywhere.It was designed for Middle School, but certainly works with upper 
elementary students, too. There is some good in-depth information on basic 
bird biology, along with data collection and analysis of data that can be 
challenging.  Later modules will focus on original scientific research.
I have not seen the final curriculum, as it is due to be shipped out this 
week. I can't wait to see it! Cornell has developed an excellent resource 
for teachers with this program, and I'm proud that I was part of it!

In answer to Joel's request for information from teachers: I have taught 
units of study on birding to my Middle School students since I took the 
first OFO workshop for teachers at Silver Falls State Park in 2003. In 2004 
I was awarded a grant from the Diack Foundation in Portland to build a bird 
feeding area outside my classroom. This grant also paid for some binoculars 
and field guides. I have obtained more through donations and school funds. I 
would like to have up to ten more pairs of binoculars and field guides.

I have also led a birding club for two years.

This year, I am teaching an Ornithology elective to 7th and 8th graders. 
What a dream come true!! I have 22 kids and no help, so we all go out 
together. They are learning to listen and be quiet, believe it or not!!! 
They're all starting their own life list and are keeping a field notebook.

I spent some of the summer searching the web and downloading and ordering 
bird curriculum materials. I was surprised at how much I found. If anyone 
wants me to put together a list, let me know.

I applaud any efforts or help any of you can give to teachers who are trying 
to introduce kids to birds. I believe if kids are encouraged to learn and 
love the world around them, we will all benefit! As Joel said so well, these 
are tomorrow's conservationists.

Diane Cavaness
Brookings