Hatching Chicks | Tadpoles & Frogs | Classroom Alternatives | Outdoor Alternatives

Animals in Nature

Instead of bringing animals into the classroom, why not observe animals in their native environment? There are many ways to interact with animals and nature in ways that encourage students to grow in appreciation for animals.

You can join in one of the following organized nature programs, or just make one up for your own class.

Project Feeder Watch (November through March)

You and your students are invited to join thousands of other Feeder Watchers across the continent who watch birds for science — and for fun. You can use Project Feeder Watch to educate students about bird conservation, biology and the importance of conserving habitat, while contributing to a major North American research project. Project Feeder Watch hopes that participation in a long-term scientific research project will foster your students' interest in nature and conservation and help them develop basic field and research skills they may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn in a classroom setting.

You can join thousands of other people who are already participating in Feeder Watch. There is a Teacher's Guide with suggestions on ways to integrate Project Feeder Watch into the regular curriculum. Students are encouraged to learn as much as possible about birds — how they fly, why they have different beaks and feet, what they eat other than feeder food, and so on. In the process, the students can learn science, math, even history, and have fun while they do so!

A small registration fee of $25 covers the cost of instruction booklets, data forms, poster, calendar and newsletters. Project Feeder Watch is an undertaking of Bird Studies Canada, the Canadian Nature Federation, the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. More information is available at their website or by calling Bird Studies Canada at 1-888-448-BIRD.

Christmas Bird Count (December 14 to January 5)

From beginning birder to seasoned ornithologist, all are welcome to participate on any Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Participants must do their counting within a designated 15-mile CBC circle on the given count day. The Audubon Society sponsors this international bird count every year at this time, and is now into its second century. Last year there were 36 locations in Alberta represented. Observers 18 and under count for free, so this could be a good project to assign for the holiday break.