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by Jane Yonts and Susie Grant |
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The goal of the project is to maintain a breeding population of the eastern bluebirds at the land trust’s main property. The project begins by researching the needs of and threats to eastern bluebird populations, providing nesting sites, and monitoring the nest boxes. Each student maintains a journal to document the data they collect and the work they do with each project session. Journals are passed from class to class each year allowing students to utilize the data from the work of previous student groups and to compare their findings over time with that of other bluebird research in the country. During the project, students build and place houses at the study sites. Then comes the important follow up of monitoring the boxes and recording any activity.
Throughout the years, we have discovered many things in outside research to be true to our findings, however we have also noted some instances in which our results do not mirror other study results. For example, most book and internet research done by our students indicates that bluebird houses must be cleaned after each nesting or the birds will not reuse the house. They will not build on an old nest. In our study area, we discovered some houses with nests stacked inside. Some of these stacked nests were constructed of similar nesting materials while others were completely different, leading to another great learning opportunity as the students were very curious about their findings and wanted to do more research to find answers to their questions.
While the primary focus of our project is eastern bluebirds, we take advantage of every learning possibility available. We have found other nests in the boxes allowing students to gain a better understanding of the unique nest building techniques of different species that take advantage of similar nesting sites. Students have used their own research skills to determine the types of animals using the nest boxes they have provided. To date we have witnessed bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, mice, and flying squirrels taking advantage of the shelter we have provided. Since many of the students have never seen animals such as flying squirrels, this has provided some great new experiences.
Part of each visit is dedicated to observing (a valuable skill) and comparing the changes that have occurred at the land trust since the last visit. Students gain understanding of seasonal changes and, at times, witness dramatic water fluctuation in the creek. They observe different behaviors and presence of animals from insects to birds and begin to recognize the interconnectedness of all living things.
The monthly trips to the land trust are highlights of the fifth grade year. The opportunity to participate in a real scientific field study while having fun encourages active learning and environmental protection simultaneously. The project gives students the opportunity to use skills from all disciplines of life. They learn how to conduct research, use math to construct appropriate nest boxes, improve mapping skills by creating maps denoting the location of the houses in their study areas, improve writing skills in their journals, gain understanding of science and environmental concepts and learn some local history.
Due to the success of the program, we have expanded the original study areas to accommodate additional houses and provide areas for comparing and contrasting different habitats. We have also expanded the project to include the Fairyland School grounds. Our future plans include using global positioning system units for better identifying the location of each house and improved mapping of the area.
We have previous students return to ask about “their” bluebirds and the project success. We have up-coming students excited about their “turn” to participate in the coming year. We have parent volunteers eager to participate as chaperones and group leaders. Students become excited about bringing their families on open days to share their work as field researchers.
As we finish another year with the Lula Lake Land Trust Bluebird Project, we reflect on all of the students that have participated and added to our data. Each student has contributed in his or her unique way and has experienced a project they will remember for the rest of their lives.
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© 2010 Lula Lake Land Trust & Three HD |
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