Bird Observation Study Description
Purpose:
The purpose of the bird observation study is for students to learn about the scientific method while enjoying the outdoors and getting to know local bird species. Westwood’s 6th grade scientists learn about experimental design, independent and dependent variables, constants, control groups, repetition, observations, data collection and analysis.
In-Class Preparation:
Students prepare for the study by learning to identify local birds, use binoculars and accurately record data. Common birds that they learn about include the blue jay, Carolina chickadee, red-bellied woodpecker, tufted titmouse, northern cardinal, downy woodpecker and mourning dove. Students form hypotheses about the number of bird visits they expect based on whether there is a predator or not on the feeder they are observing.
In the Woods:
Students work in pairs with one student acting as the observer and one as the recorder. In addition to gathering the number of bird visits, many students witness interesting bird behaviors that encourage critical thinking and a general curiosity about animal behavior and nature in general. Westwood teachers, Kids in the Woods team members, and volunteers have opportunities to discuss predator-prey interactions and other related topics of interest. At the conclusion of the field experiment, data from all of the classes are pooled. Students create graphs, interpret the data and accept or reject their hypothesis.
Benefits:
Some of the benefits of this study include: (1) directly meets educator’s pacing guide needs ; (2) demystifies the scientific method and experimental design and allows students to act as scientists and follow through on a scientific experiment to draw a conclusion to their hypothesis; and (3) emphasizes teamwork as being helpful in scientific research (students are shown their class data and then the large amount of pooled data from all classes).
Partners:
City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs staff lead the bird study with support from the USDA Forest Service and University of Florida staff and volunteers, and Westwood parents.
