Local Birding... 
What are the most common birds in your area?
(Before going outside, have the students make a list of all the possible birds they think they might encounter around your school)
Let’s get out there and see for ourselves!
During the first class, go on an identification walk/outing. Have the students list and record what birds you encounter within their personal birding journals. Record the weather, time, temperature, and other variables you deem important. Listen for distinct songs. Look for color, shape, size, and behavior of the birds you see. Make notes that will help with identification for later use. Everyone should keep an active journal of the birds they have seen!
*these questions can be done separately, or included in the final presentation
-What should you do if you find a baby bird on the ground?
-What are the most common nests around school?
-What are the ten most common birds at school?
-What are the best times to encounter birds in this area?
-For help identifying birds you can go to whatbird.com
-Become a "real" scientist and record your data at www.ebird.org
Project........
Create a "birding journal", this should be used to keep notes on behavior and bird ID. The journal should be the source for all birding notes and project data. It will be handed-in at the end on the unit.
>Teachers task...
Take your class on a birding expidition around your school to better understands what types of bird life occurs in your area. Help them try and identify birds by sight, sound, and behavior. The students should have a birding journal of the birds they encountered; this will be helpful in the bird counts in other projects. Talk about the "best" times to look for birds and why. Look for possible nesting behavior or areas. Get a better understanding of the possible birds you should see and might not see because of limited time.
As a class, you can create an account at www.ebird.org and record your bird findings.
*A great recourse for the classroom would be… -"The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America"
