There are a number of good curriculum resources available to help you effectively integrate bird study into your classroom.  Below is a list of suggested websites and books to get you started.  The books are available at the Alaska Bird Observatory, 418 Wedgewood Drive, Fairbanks.  ABO educators are also available to visit your classroom to present programs on a variety of bird-related topics.  Please visit ABO's Youth Education page for specific program information and fees. Other resources:

Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Educator’s Guide to Birds

Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Classroom FeederWatch homepage

Information on Alaska’s birds, winter bird feeding, bird houses, and much more from ADF&G Division of Wildlife Conservation

A wide variety of teaching resources compiled by the Alaska Department of Fish & game.  There is a section specific to birds.

The National Wildlife Federation’s schoolyard habitat program has information about creating habitat for wildlife around your school, including activities, resources, and funding opportunities.

Hinterland Who’s Who from the Canadian Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Federation, includes lesson plans and bird fact sheets.

Alaska Bird Observatory’s Boreal Forest Songbirds of Alaska Teaching Unit and Activity Book

Common Winter Feeder Birds of Alaska, a full-color poster featuring 22 of the most common bird species that visit winter feeders in Alaska.  There is a discounted price for educators.  It is available at the ABO Center for Education & Research, 418 Wedgewood Dr., Fairbanks.

Books

Erickson, Laura.  Sharing the Wonder of Birds with Kids.  University of Minnesota Press.  1997. 

Kavanagh, James.  Birds:  Educational Games & Activities for Kids of All Ages.  Waterford Press.  2002.

Bird teaching kits

Bird teaching kits with information, hands-on activities, and activities are available for use in your classroom.  Contact:

• Alaska Pacific University's Alaska Science Center in Anchorage (907-564-8267)
• Alaska Resource and Information Services in Anchorage (907-272-7547)
• Alaska Public Information Center in Fairbanks (907-456-0527)
• Alaska Public Information Center in Anchorage (907-271-2741)
• Southeast Alaska Visitors Center in Ketchikan (907-228-6214)
• Kenai National Wildlife Refuge in Kenai (907-262-7021)
• Anchorage School District in Anchorage (907-787-3057)
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Homer (907-235-8191)

Chickadee Fact Sheet, Chickadee Check-up, and Chickadee Coloring Page available to download as Adobe Acrobat PDF files.