Discover the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s newest leader guide, “eBird Explorers: Youth Action for Birds.” Designed for out-of-school settings in collaboration with New York State 4-H and the New York State Network for Youth Success, these 11 hour-long lessons use birds and the eBird participatory-science project as the spark to get youth excited about nature and inspire them to view themselves as scientists.
Through hands-on activities, youth explore what it means to be a scientist, learn to identify birds, contribute to real scientific projects, and design an action project to help birds in their own communities. Join us as we explore these activities and the powerful tools that create exciting growth opportunities for youth and make teaching bird ID and engaging in participatory science easy for leaders.
Objectives:
• Become familiar with the leader guide, lessons, and activities
• Discover powerful tools that make teaching bird ID and participating in eBird easy for leaders
• Explore how these lessons create exciting growth opportunities for youth
Presenter Bio:
Kelly Schaeffer graduated from the University of Delaware with degrees in Wildlife Conservation and Entomology. While at UD, she discovered the world of avian research and fell in love with chasing birds around the woods. She spent a few years traveling and working as a field research technician which inspired her to pursue a career in Environmental Education. She went back to school and obtained her MS from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in Environmental Education.
In her work with the K-12 Education team at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, she helps educators across North America connect their students to nature while building science skills and fostering a lifelong passion for birds. Through fun, hands-on curricula, and online and in-person professional development, she supports educators in bringing the power of participatory science and inquiry into their classrooms and programs. Birds are everywhere and everyone has the power to help us understand and protect them. Kids are essential to this understanding, now and in the future.
Social Media:
Facebook; @K12Lab
Instagram; @k12_cornellbirds
