Main image: A pupil from Wigmore Primary School, Bedfordshire, taking part in the RSPB’s annual Big Schools Birdwatch, winter 2023. Photograph by Ben Andrew
Archives of IT (AIT) has collaborated with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ (RSPB) education team to create a new dedicated PowerPoint lesson to help pupils organise and present their Big Schools’ Birdwatch data. The Big Schools’ Birdwatch submissions open today (7 January) and is a fun way to incorporate nature into curriculums.
The AIT data handling lesson includes options to present Big Schools’ Birdwatch results using an online bar chart function, as well instructions on creating a line graph to compare results with the previous years’ national data. Teachers can sign up and participate using the downloadable resources and when they have submitted their results they will be able to download AIT’s lesson and an additional historical data resource that will help with the line graph element of this activity.
AIT’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch Data Handling Lesson
Largest citizen science project for schools
Established in 2002, the Big Schools’ Birdwatch is the largest citizen science project for schools and offers pupils the chance to collect real-life data on what birds visit their schoolyards and playgrounds. More than 86,000 pupils took part in last year’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch with the data collected providing the RSPB a snapshot of how birds across UK schools are faring.
Valuable curriculum learning
Rosalind Allen, RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch Co-ordinator, said: “Big Schools’ Birdwatch offers children the chance to contribute to a UK-wide citizen science project in their school grounds, while delivering valuable curriculum learning.
“It’s easy to do, does not require lengthy planning and preparation time and provides an opportunity for pupils to collect, handle and interpret real-life data, enhanced by this year’s collaboration with Archives IT. Schools also have access to historical results so classes can compare their sightings with national data from previous years. It’s a great opportunity to provide a valuable learning experience and, together, take action for nature.”
Send your results
The Big Schools’ Birdwatch helps schools learn more about the species that are attracted to their grounds and helps them monitor year on year data. Schools can get an indication of the biodiversity of their grounds based on the birds that visit. In last year’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch, the Woodpigeon was the most frequently reported species across UK schools.
Submissions are open until the 24 February. Make your results count! Please ensure you have submitted your results to the RSPB on their Big Schools Birdwatch webpage.
AIT educational resources
Find out more about our educational resources and download our lesson plans.