Through the end of winter and into spring is an excellent time for some backyard biology!
Explore our free educational resources that will take you and your little learners through the seasons alongside our feathered friends.
In our free activity guides, you and your young scientists can learn how to safely feed the birds, observe their behaviours and habitat, and try some colourful hands-on kitchen science.
Whether it’s in a backyard, local park, conservation area, or wherever you see birds; these resources will help connect kids to the natural world!
Winter: Birds Don’t Hibernate
Time to feed the birds! Winter is a great time to make a bird feeder. Food can sometimes be in short supply, especially when so many plants and animals go dormant over the colder months. This means that birds have to work harder to find food in the winter. Young learners can help by using our guide to make a safe and nutritious bird feeder for their local feathered friends!
Beat the winter blues by virtually joining Scientist Heather on a water bird adventure!
In this video led by a real scientist, you’ll discover the incredible diversity of birds that live in and near water, including shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl. Investigate how birds float, how they stay warm, their feeding habits, and how their webbed feet help them navigate through water.
Spring: Watch the World Wake Up
Come spring, birds are busy building nests and laying eggs. Try this colourful activity to see if you can turn chicken eggs into robin’s eggs with kitchen chemistry!
Join Scientist Heather on a mini outdoor adventure and discover the unique sounds and behaviours of the Pileated Woodpecker. One of the biggest birds in North America, known for their bright, colourful red crests, and loud drumming sounds, these insectivores can tell us a lot about their ecosystem.
All Year ‘Round: Become a Bird Biologist
Meet Bird Biologists Liz and Myles and learn what it means to work in the field!
Liz talks to 5 through 9-year-olds about the unique traits of the Chimney Swift, and Myles talks to this age group about catching Barn Swallows.
For ages 10 through 13, Liz gives insight into the technology needed to study a threatened bird species, and Myles explains the function of bird banding.
Young scientists can practice their own bird observation skills with BIRD-O and our Backyard Bird Watch Guide.
Keep On Learning: Scientists in School Workshops
We offer several biology workshops from coast to coast to coast. One fan-favourite is Hooo’s in the Owl Pellet? a workshop in which students get to experience being real-life biologists! It’s available for a range of grades across Canada in both English and French.
We also offer the workshop Cycling Through Life for grade 2 classes! In it, students learn about the life cycles of birds and other organisms.
Use our workshop navigator to see these and all other workshops available in your school board.
Is your young scientist part of an after-school group? Our workshops for community groups are always changing, ensuring your youth get fresh new-to-them workshops every time we visit. Contact us to learn about which community workshops are available in your area.
