Go outdoors to spot and identify birds using the free eBird app, take photos or videos, and check their conservation status on the IUCN Red List.
Students build digital and species identification skills while fostering awareness of local biodiversity, habitats, and global conservation efforts.
Choose a nearby natural area large enough for students to spread out. Spend some time here in advance to make sure there are birds to be spotted.
Inform students that they will go outside, so they can bring proper shoes and clothing.
Go outdoors with the class – spend time quietly observing and listening for birds in the local area.
Spot and record birds – encourage students to take photos or short videos of the birds they see or hear.
Identify the species – use the free eBird app to help with bird identification.
Optionally, students can use the method of Pattern Grouping, to make a clear overview of which bird species and subspecies were seen.
Check conservation status – look up the species on the IUCN Red List and note if they are threatened or of least concern.
Discuss implications – reflect on why these birds are present now, link their presence or absence to migration patterns and climate change.
Optionally introduce the method of Hypothesis Development so that students learn to predict what could happen next.
Connect to conservation – introduce organisations like IUCN and discuss what actions help keep bird populations and habitats healthy.
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