Information for K-12 Educators - San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory

Information for Educators K-12

Each year, we educate hundreds of students about avian science and conservation to help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and empower young people to help birds and the ecosystems on which we all depend. We have developed freely available in-school curricula for teachers to use, with the option to include a field trip. When funding is available, we are also able to offer presentations, hands-on activities, and other nature outings for classes. Click the links below for more information about the curricula and other resources to engage children with birds, science, and conservation.

Middle School Curriculum
This freely available education module allows middle school students to use data from Coyote Creek Field Station and focus on local bird species to foster a sense of connection and a desire to learn. Field trips to the bird banding station are possible when funding is available.

High School Curriculum
This freely available high school education module introduces students to migratory birds and allows them to use real-world wildlife tracking data from Motus to explore questions and solutions related to bird research and conservation. Field trips are possible when funding is available.

A group of students sitting on the grass gathered around a scientist

Kids Bird Book Recommendations
A list of children’s books focusing on birds and nature, including information books, poetry, and fiction. Several are linked to blog posts that go into further depth about the book.

Kids Bird Art Contest
We invite kids ages 3-17 to observe birds in nature and create a drawing that reflects that encounter.

Birdy Hour Speaker Series & Science Talks
Virtual presentations to foster appreciation for birds and nature and inspire the public to help. Great as a resource for teachers and for high school level students interested in birds, science, and conservation.

Burrowing Owl Game of Life
This printable interactive card game is recommended for 5th grade and up. Students simulate the life stages of Burrowing Owls and learn about the many challenges they face. English and Spanish versions are available below.
SFBBO Burrowing Owl Game of Life (PDF) | El juego de la vida del Búho de Madriguera (PDF)

Marshmallow Minds Design Challenge Curriculum
We partner with Marshmallow Minds to bring a hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) curriculum to schools, introducing 5th-6th students to migratory birds, the threats they face, and solutions to help, focusing on the issues of habitat loss and bird collisions with human-built structures. Field trips to Alviso Marina County Park to help with habitat restoration are possible when funding is available.

Thank you to supporters for making our K-12 education programs possible. Funding for our programs in recent years has come from the Applied Materials Foundation, Cargill, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Swantz Family Foundation, Open Space Authority, Valley Water, and individual donors. If you’d like to support our efforts, please consider donating so we can continue engaging kids with birds and science!