The Big Shorebird Picture

The lesson plans for this stop during "Migration Science and Mystery: A Distance Learning Adventure" at the Copper River Delta located in Cordova, Alaska, emphasize the "big picture." Through the activities in Explore the World with Shorebirds!, students have discovered that shorebird habitat is also our habitat. They have observed and learned about other species that coexist with shorebirds and understand that all living parts of the habitat depend on clean water, air, and soil. In the Big Shorebird Picture, students share their knowledge with each other and their community in creative and thought provoking ways.

Concepts Presented in Lesson Plans

■ Taking an active role in shorebird conservation requires that we apply knowledge.
■ Sharing our knowledge about shorebirds with others is one way we can help shorebird conservation.
■ Environmental stewardship is vital for the long-term conservation of our shared natural resources.

Lesson Plans

Shorebird Decision Dilemmas
(upper elementary/middle school, upper middle/high school)
In this activity, students draw cards that describe a shorebird or habitat issue and decide how they would work to resolve the problem. Through discussion, students examine their own values and beliefs as well as those of their classmates’.

Shorebird Values on the Line
(upper middle school/high school)
Students rank to what degree they “agree” or “disagree with” a set of statements pertaining to shorebirds and shorebird habitat. They compare their rankings with those of their classmates, examine the reasons behind them, and discuss what factors influence a person’s values.

Shorebird News
(upper middle school/high school)
Students research what makes a good newspaper article and then write a story for their local paper about their involvement in the Shorebird Sister Schools Program.

What You Can Do for Shorebirds!
(upper middle school/high school)
Students participate in a conservation project to improve the environment and help wildlife. The situation may involve “hands-on” experiences like planting or picking up litter, or a political campaign in which students participate in influencing the actions of others.