Education

Virginia’s Second Atlas presents information on breeding birds based on data collected by volunteers and field technicians. This includes information on distribution, breeding evidence, population status, and conservation as well as interactive maps for 203 breeding birds in the state. As such, it is a one-stop shop for information on Virginia’s breeding bird species with immense potential to be utilized as an educational tool. Information in the Species Accounts, as well as the accompanying data products and maps and figures, can be used for a broad range of K–12 educational purposes from integrating information into existing lessons to using products as the basis for deeper learning and research opportunities within the classroom. Educators looking to incorporate Atlas content in the classroom can explore examples of how the Atlas supports Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs), including grade-level correlations and classroom activity ideas, here.

Atlas content can be used to create and enhance learning opportunities for students of all ages. 

Tell us how you are using the Atlas for educational purposes! You can submit this information (or a question about Atlas data and products) through our website.

Broad Applications of Atlas Data for Education

• Phenology graphs showing the timing of breeding behaviors like nest building, egg laying, etc.  – students can learn about the behaviors of different bird species.
• Species distribution maps – students can visualize where specific species occur and learn how to read and use spatial data.
• Species accounts – students can utilize for research and writing skill building exercises.
• Atlas methods and analytical methods – these can provide high school students with information about field data collection protocols as well as a framework for identifying bird species by sight, sound, and behavior.
• Online Atlas products can be used by students in a range of ecology/biology courses for research purposes and spatial analysis (e.g., designing a protected area, writing policy briefs, evaluating the siting of alternative energy projects to avoid impacts to birds, potential impact of climate change on species distributions, determining distribution changes for specific species, monitoring bird populations in a specific area, etc.).