Give Backyard Birds Something to Sing About
 The
most watched and beloved of Canada's wildlife species are
the birds we see in our backyards. Robins and woodpeckers,
hummingbirds and goldfinches intrigue us with their antics
or cheer us with their songs. We may take our birds for granted,
yet they have a lot to teach us. They are often our first
introduction to the ways of the wild.
Birds do a fabulous job of helping our ecosystems run smoothly.
Here are some of the things they do:
- keep insects under control (and save us millions of
dollars in agricultural and forestry efforts);
- pollinate plants and disperse seeds;
- bring millions of dollars to our economy through bird-watching
activities;
- provide children with accessible encounters with nature;
and
- delight and inspire us with their beauty and song.
Learning activities in this unit are designed to help you
teach important basics about birds through subjects such
as life science, geography, history, and language arts. They
encourage students to think for themselves, ask questions,
and find solutions to problems that affect birds and so affect
us all.
Canadian educators and scientists have reviewed this unit.
It is:
- suitable for a wide range of elementary and secondary
students;
- linked with the Common Framework of Science Learning
Outcomes, K to 12 (Pan-Canadian Protocol for Collaboration
on School Curriculum) plus history, geography, and language
arts learning outcomes;
- supported by other WILD Education programs.
What's in This Unit?
This unit informs students about the importance of Canada's
birds to the health of our ecosystems and the planet. It
is filled with classroom-ready materials, including a resource
sheet, lesson plans, information poster, and game, that address
the issue of backyard birds through a hands-on approach.
Students will learn:
- basic bird-identification skills;
- the challenges that birds face;
- about bird ranges, migration, and biodiversity; and
- how to make maps as a tool to learn about and help birds.
Mapping is a familiar tool for educators. It can be simple
or complex; it can involve only your class or the community.
Activities in this unit culminate in mapping activities.
Download a copy of the "Give Backyard Birds Something
to Sing About" learning unit, here (PDF
format - 1.2 MB).
Download the cards for the Backyard Bird Card Game here:
To order a print copy of this unit and/or a copy of the
Backyard Bird game board contact
CWF .
The Nova Scotia Deprtment of Natural Resources has created
an informative presentation about things you can do to provide
habitat for birds and butterflies in your backyard. Click
here to see it.
Looking for Funding?
Are you undertaking a wildlife habitat project on your school ground or in
your community? Is your class or school one of thousands that took part in
CWF's Habitat 2000 program? Well, rest assured that your efforts continue to
be supported as we evolve toward the next generation of habitat education programs.
The CWF provides funding for habitat projects undertaken by classes, schools,
and community groups throughout Canada. Your class is eligible for up to $200
and school-wide projects may apply for $500. Apply
for funds
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