Participate and share: Poster 
This project helped raise awareness of the importance of conserving neotropical migrating birds and their habitats. The collaboration between different departments and the partnership with a school in Ometepe Island allowed for a holistic approach to learning about the birds and their migration patterns. The use of different mediums such as 3D paper mache birds, Stop Motion Animation videos, and AG Art helped to engage students in the learning process and make it more interactive. It's essential that students learn about the reasons for migration, the dangers that these birds face, and the ethical leadership aspect of conservation efforts. Understanding the challenges that these birds encounter during their journey and preserving their habitats is crucial to their survival. Students were taught about the different types of food that neotropical birds eat and their role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Overall, this project is an excellent example of how education can be used to promote conservation efforts and raise awareness about environmental issues. By engaging students in activities that allow them to learn about the world around them, we can help them become responsible and active citizens who care about the environment and its inhabitants. Students learned to identify the different parts of a bird's body, colors, behaviors, habitats, and eating preferences and to connect them to the bird's scientific and common name.
I. Explanation of the migratory bird project for second graders
II. Importance of interdisciplinary education, global connections, and environmental stewardship
III. Scientific Aspect of the Project
Overview of migratory birds and their importance to ecosystems
Learning objectives for students in terms of scientific knowledge and skills
Hands-on activities and resources for teaching about migratory birds
IV. Cross-Cultural Aspect of the Project
Explanation of global connections and cultural exchange with partner schools
Benefits of cross-cultural learning for students and teachers
Ways to incorporate culture and target language into the migratory bird project
V. Role of Technology in the Project
Tools and resources for using technology in the classroom
Importance of technology skills for students in a global and digital age
Recap of the scientific, cross-cultural, and technology aspects of the project
How educators can incorporate interdisciplinary and global learning into their teaching
Resources for the Scientific Aspect of the Project
Bridging the Americas / Unidos por las aves | Smithsonian's National Zoo
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Centre Webpage
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - National Bird Collection Webpage
Audubon Naturalist Society Website
DC Audubon Society Website
Nature Conservancy Maryland/DC Website
Sierra Club Washington DC Chapter Website
NPS Birds of George Washington Memorial Parkway · iNaturalist
Explore Birding Sites in Washington, DC
Birding - Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Best Bird Watching Trails in Alexandria | AllTrails
Resources for the Cross-Cultural Aspect of the Project
Books to help your students learn about and appreciate the culture and home of your partner class:
• The Hummingbirds’ Gift, by Stefan Czernecki and Timothy Rhodes, Hampton-Brown Books.
• The Hummingbird King: A Guatemalan Legend, by Argentina Palacios, Troll Associates, 1993.
• Kids Who Walk on Volcanoes, by Paul Otteson, John Muir Publications, 1996
Many more resources on the Smithsonian website, teacher's account, https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds
Resources for Technology Integration
StopMotion Studio Pro - Tool for creating animations
AR Makr - Augmented Reality Playground
Slide AR App
Keynote - Presentation software used to draw habitat elements
Canva - Presentation Software
Return
Trips and Tours