Birds play an important role in nature by helping control insect populations, spreading seeds, and supporting healthy ecosystems. At Graland, learning about birds in Grade 1 is a cross-curricular study that spans science, literacy, and service learning—giving students the opportunity to build scientific thinking, practice meaningful writing, and develop a sense of care for the natural world.

On their field trip to the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies at Barr Lake State Park, students met with scientists to learn about bird conservation and research. They observed the bird banding process up close and discovered how researchers track migration patterns and monitor bird populations. A few students even had the chance to gently hold and release birds back into the wild.

Back at school, first graders reflected on their experience in science journals. In the weeks ahead, they’ll continue their learning through hands-on classroom activities. Throughout the year, they will raise baby chicks, study bird behavior and habitats, and participate in service projects to help make Graland’s campus more bird-friendly. The unit will culminate in a spring research and writing project, with each student presenting a detailed bird report.