Birds are everywhere! Learn about some of our neighborhood birds and the techniques used to study them from a migratory bird scientist.

This virtual school program is part of Conservation Classroom, a collection of monthly lessons for K-5 students. This program reaches 2-6 students a little better, but we've had all ages enjoy it. Each lesson has four elements: wonder (video), engage (live virtual program), act (activities), and connect (video). Follow along with all four parts or pick and choose the videos and activities you want to explore. 

Grades:

2-6

Standards:

Supports NGSS 2-PS1-2, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1

Topics:

birds, migration, observation, tracking, bird banding

Cost:

Free

Wonder

I wonder... how do scientists study birds? Come along to discover how scientists study birds with banding and tracking tools. 

Watch Video
Picture of a gray catbird with orange bird bands on its leg

Engage

May 22, 2024 at 12 p.m. ET

In this free, live virtual program, learn about some of our neighborhood birds and techniques used to study them, such as bird banding, from a migratory bird ecologist. Program is hosted in Zoom webinar. Recording will be made available approximately 48 hours after the live program. Please note: audio and video are disabled for participants but students can still engage via polls, chat, Q&A and emojis.

Language & Access: English, Spanish (simulcast), ASL interpretation and live English captions.

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Examples of activity sheets on a blue background

Act

During the live program, take scientific notes as we measure and weigh birds. After the program, take your bird journal outside and make observations. You can also watch Learn to Draw a Bird and draw your own bird. Share your drawings with us at nzp-education@si.edu.

Hojas de actividades disponibles en español: Registro de aves. Comparta sus dibujos con nosotros en nzp-education@si.edu.

Science Notes
Bird Journal

Connect

Meet Nathan, a research ecologist and migratory bird scientist! As part of his "unZOOsual" career, Nathan study birds as they travel between their summer and winter homes to learn how to save them.

Watch Video

For Educators

Educator's Materials

Conservation Classroom: Exploring Neighborhood Birds i­­s best suited for grades 2-6. The full lesson consists of two videos, a live program, and two activities. Refer to the Smithsonian Learning Lab collection to help teach this lesson.

Letter to Guardians

After participating in the live program, print or send the following letter to guardians, explaining what their student learned in this lesson and how they can continue to engage from home.

Carta para el tutor

Después de participar en el programa en vivo, imprima o envíe la siguiente carta a los tutores, explicando lo que su estudiante aprendió en esta lección y cómo pueden continuar participando desde casa.

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Grades:

K-5

Standards:

Supports NGSS K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1

Topics:

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Cost:

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Happy Birthday, Head Start!

Happy birthday, Head Start! How do animals keep their bodies healthy year-round? Join the Smithsonian's National Zoo to learn about animals at our Kids' Farm with special resources from the National Portrait Gallery and other Smithsonian museums.

Content Unit:

Our Bodies and the Five Senses

Standards:

Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3

Cost:

Free

Languages:

English, Spanish (simulcast)

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