Youth Education Workshops

A walk to look for and identify birds can be added to any of the presentations (listed below or PDF) and usually lasts at least 30 minutes. For more information or to schedule a workshop, contact the education chair at: education@eastsideaudubon.org.

Introduction to Birds #1:

Age range:  kindergarten through fourth grade

Length:  30 minutes

Description: The workshop teaches students what makes a bird a bird.  Students will learn about the wide range of diversity in birds and the basic functions of wings, feet and beaks. Read the Lesson Plan.

Introduction to Birds and Their Diversity:

Age range:  kindergarten through fourth grade

Length:  40-50 minutes

Description:  The workshop teaches students what makes a bird a bird.  Students will connect various birds with their need for a supportive environment and will learn to appreciate birds as a part of the wonder of the natural world. The workshop can be adapted to the audience. Read the Lesson Plan.

Introduction to Birds #3:

Age range: Fifth through ninth grades

Length: 45-60 minutes

Description: The workshop explores what makes a bird a bird: vertebrae, egg laying, endothermy, feathers, flight, syrinx. Read the Lesson Plan.

Using Binoculars:

Age range:  third through sixth grades

Length:  50 minutes

Description:  The workshop focuses on how binoculars work.  Students will learn how to follow moving objects with binoculars.  In addition, they will learn how to communicate to others the position of birds through descriptive words. Students will practice their newly learned skills on a bird walk. Read the Lesson Plan.

Using Field Guides:

Age range: second through sixth grades

Length: 20 minutes

Description:  The workshop focuses on teaching students how to use a field guide. The students will learn the parts of a field guide and how to locate specific birds and read a field guide. Read the Lesson Plan.

Slide Presentation:

Age range: kindergarten through twelfth grade

Length: depends on the audience

Description: The slide presentation can be adapted to the audience and can be focused on a number of habitats, such as backyard birds or water birds. It can be added to any of our workshops.

Introduction to Owls:

Age range:  middle to high school

Length:  45-60 minutes

Description:  The workshop focuses on the general characteristics of owls.  Students will learn to appreciate how form and function work together in the owl’s ears, eyes, beaks, talons and feathers.  In addition, they will learn how an owl hunts, catches and eats prey.  Read the Lesson Plan. 

Introduction to Owls:

Age range:  third to sixth grades (may be adapted for primary grades)

Length:  45 minutes

Description:  The workshop focuses on the general characteristics of owls and specifically four owls: Great Horned, Northern Saw-whet, barred, Barn.  Read the Lesson Plan

Wetlands Workshop:

Age range: third through eighth grades

Length: 60-70 minutes

Description: The workshop uses slides taken at Juanita Bay Park to teach what wetlands are, why they’re important and the typical plants and animals found in nearby freshwater wetlands.

Nest Building:

Age range: kindergarten through third grade

Length: 20-30 minutes

Description: The workshop focuses on the various nests that birds build. Students will make a small nest with an egg in it to take home.

Bird Beaks and Food #1:

Age range: kindergarten through sixth grade

Length: 30 minutes

Description: The workshop focuses on the types of food that birds eat with special emphasis on beaks. Students will make a simple feeder to take home. Read the Lesson Plan.

Bird Beaks and Food #2:

Age range: second through eighth grades

Length: 60 minutes

Description: The workshop focuses on bird beaks and the food that birds eat. Students will make a wooden bird feeder to take home. Note: There is a charge for this workshop to cover the cost of the bird feeder.