Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Format & Length: in person, 7 hours

Audience: formal and non-formal educators working with 5th and/or 6th graders in outdoor school settings

Description: This hands-on and approachable workshop will introduce formal and non-formal outdoor school educators (such as 5th or 6th grade teachers and outdoor school providers) to birds and birding, including how to observe, identify, and learn about birds before, during, and/or after outdoor school. This workshop will cover strategies for educators new to teaching outdoors, such as location selection, group management, classroom connections, and safety and accessibility considerations while using birding as an introduction to outdoor learning. No prior birding experience necessary. A morning classroom session will prepare you for an afternoon field study session outside where you will be invited to apply your learning. 

Comfortable, weather-appropriate attire is recommended for the afternoon. Bring your own binoculars and field guides if you have some, loaners can be provided.

This workshop is brought to you by: OSU Extension Service Outdoor School program (ODS) and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP). 

Registration required. Offered at no cost to Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute reimbursement offered on teacher workdays. 

Stipend: A $100 stipend is available from OSU Extension Service Outdoor School to support the attendance of eligible educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Please contact with questions about stipend eligibility.  

Registration for this workskhop has closed.