The Raven’s Nest
Outsiders Adventure Co. Citizen Science & Nature Appreciation Curriculum
Adapted from Cornell Lab K-12 Education Resources
An Eight-Week Exploration of Birds, Observation, and Environmental Stewardship
The Raven’s Nest is a unique, nature-anchored curriculum that immerses students in bird study, ecological observation, and the powerful practice of citizen science. Adapted for Outsiders Adventure Co. from the acclaimed Cornell Lab of Ornithology resources, this hands-on program equips students with real-world research skills while deepening their connection to the natural world.
Week-by-Week Highlights
Week 1: Bird Diversity – What Makes a Bird a Bird?
Students explored the characteristics that define birds—from feathers to flight—and learned to identify three common species in their area. Through interactive games and field observations, students were introduced to basic bird anatomy and classification.
Week 2: Anna’s Hummingbird – Nature Journaling & Feeder Care
This week highlighted the remarkable adaptations of the Anna’s Hummingbird. Students practiced nature journaling, learned how to make homemade nectar, and set up hummingbird feeders, focusing on placement, care, and observation.
Week 3: Who’s That Up in the Sky? – Bird Groups and Silhouettes
Using silhouettes and field posters, students learned to classify birds by shape and size. They practiced comparing feeder visitors and began understanding how behavior and form help identify species in the field.
Week 4: What’s in a Habitat? – Exploring Ecosystems
Students identified the four components of a habitat—food, water, cover, and space—and mapped local habitats. They also examined how human impact and pollution affect wildlife, followed by a schoolyard cleanup and environmental stewardship activity.
Week 5: Do You Hear What I Hear? – Bird Songs and Calls
This week focused on bird vocalizations. Students created sound maps, learned the purpose of bird calls and songs, and participated in a “dawn chorus” simulation. They also mimicked bird calls to locate "flocks" during a fun group activity.
Week 6: Become a Bird Expert – Journaling and Bird Baths
Each student specialized in one local bird species, journaling its features and behavior. The class then constructed bird baths to enhance their feeder areas, studying water’s role in bird health and habitat attraction.
Week 7: Suet Feeders – Bird Nutrition and DIY Suet
Students learned which birds enjoy suet and how to safely prepare and hang suet feeders. They crafted suet cakes and chose strategic placement for their feeders based on their knowledge of bird behavior and habitat needs.
Week 8: Be the Scientist – Citizen Science in Action
In the culminating week, students became citizen scientists, participating in a group bird count hike. They recorded, analyzed, and discussed their data, with older students contributing to eBird, a real scientific database used by Cornell researchers worldwide.
From Backyard Feeder to Global Impact
Through daily feeder observations, nature journaling, sound mapping, and team-based birding expeditions, The Raven’s Nest empowers students to become stewards of their environment and contributors to real-world science. With a strong emphasis on curiosity, responsibility, and respect for nature, students leave the program with sharpened skills—and a deeper appreciation for the wild, winged world around them.