AVES COMPARTIDAS

Over the course of two terms, we have worked as a team to develop and implement five lesson plans and 3 field trips for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, serving almost 200 students! Upon program completion, students were able to recognize migratory birds of both the Laja Valley and the Willamette Valley watersheds, and identify their characteristics in Spanish and English. Students gained knowledge of the importance of migratory birds and how their natural migration routes are necessary for their survival, in addition to how bird migration can be reflective of human migration. Overall, our program aims to instill confidence within our students and provide the awareness needed in order to inspire action within their own communities.

I specifically taught 3rd grade. 3rd grade focused on the importance of pollinators and used the class bird – the Rufous Hummingbird – to amplify our messages of pollination, migration, and our connection to our partners in Guanajuato. As we mentioned earlier, our framework was generating awareness-to-action.

This was accomplished through visual art engagement aiding awareness of essential habitat needs, language arts practices were utilized for letter writing to our Guanajuato friends, and practicing geographical skills through mapping activities created awareness of how migration is a natural process. And within field trips, students were able to gain firsthand experiences outdoors, applying real world skills such as: using binoculars, observational and identification skills, all while instilling a connection to our shared environment.

I created many additional teaching materials to enhance each lesson. I created PowerPoint presentations to aid in explaining the materials and developed interactive activities to foster student participation and understanding. Furthermore, I added structure to the course by designing a flight path, which served as a guide for the students' learning journey throughout each week. This flight path helped establish a clear and organized structure for the course, ensuring that students' attention and focus were effectively directed.

 I also took part in facilitating team meetings, contributing to the collaborative nature of the project. My involvement extended beyond the classroom as showcased through my creation of the program's logo, providing a visual representation of the project. I also contributed to the production and demonstration of a group presentation, at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, which effectively conveyed the significance and impact of Aves Compartidas. My involvement in lesson planning, teaching, organizational tasks, and team facilitation, along with my ability to create visual materials and deliver presentations, exemplify my comprehensive engagement and commitment to the project's success.