Let Science Take Flight in Fourth: Birding Inquiry

These binoculars will give our fourth grade scientists a unique learning opportunity this fall as we investigate habitats and ecosystems in our own neighborhood. Birds will be the vehicle for inquiry as our students delve into a true scientific investigation. Without even realizing it, our young scientists will learn the power of the scientific method while making observations, gathering questions, figuring out how to answer their questions, and ultimately sharing their results.

Our scientists will utilize their binoculars to investigate birds in our own school backyard, nearby nature trails, and a local bird sanctuary.

The binoculars will help students literally zoom in on elements of a habitat, animal adaptations and behavior, and overall functioning of an ecosystem. As our students view birds up close, they will have the opportunity to share their wonderings and observations and even design their own experiments. Plus, our students will engage in true citizen science as they record their bird and species data onto ebird.org. This platform accumulates data on an international scale and uses it for further research, conservation, and education efforts.

Most importantly, this project will be an authentic learning experience that makes connections among all subjects. Students will:

*Study the geometry found in Charley Harper's bird artwork

*Analyze migration patterns and explore regional geography of the U.S.A.

*Connect literature to science with The Someday Birds by Sally J. Pla

*Engage in research and writing by answering their observation questions and reporting experimental results

The possibilities are limitless and we can't wait to see where our students' interests and ideas take this project even further... but we would love having these binoculars to help create that initial spark of joyful learning!