Let the National Aviary come to you! We can bring the wonderful world of birds to your classroom or school assembly.
Whether you have elementary, middle, or high school students, we have a program for everyone that includes a visit from at least one National Aviary Animal Ambassador! The following programming is tailored to specific age groups, and many can also be available for classes visiting the National Aviary.
Preschool and Kindergarten
Nature’s Diner
Through puppets, props and a visit from an Animal Ambassador, National Aviary educators introduce children to different birds, their foods, and how each species eats.
Nature’s Rainbow
Children discover how important colors are to the animal world with the help of an Animal Ambassador, brightly colored bird feathers, and other exciting learning tools.
For Elementary Schools
NEW! Bird Classification available after 11/1
Using hands-on observation techniques and interactive activities, students will learn what characteristics make a bird, well, a bird! Students will also learn what makes different families of birds unique.
Amazing Adaptations
Birds are special and specialized. Students discover the unique characteristics, and “meet” species with the most amazing feet, feathers and beaks!
Habitats
From the frigid arctic to tropical rainforests, birds can be found in nearly every habitat on Earth! Learn what an animal needs to survive and how birds thrive in the most extreme ecosystems.
Rainforest
Discover rainforests through the eyes of its birds. Home to nearly half of the world’s plant and animal species, students examine how rainforests support ecological balance as well as global economies, and why it is important for us to conserve this valuable natural resource.
Owls
Owls are one of the most recognizable birds on earth, yet they remain elusive to many because of their habits and behaviors. Students will learn about owls from around the world and discover the adaptations that make them successful hunters, day and night!
For Middle Schools
NEW! Backyard Scientist available after 11/1
Put your scientific observation skills to the test! Venture through National Aviary habitats and get a glimpse of how scientists study wild bird populations. Students will also learn how they can get involved in local community science projects, conservation efforts, and the positive effects they can have on their own backyard.
Amazing Adaptations
Birds are special and specialized. Students discover the unique characteristics, and “meet” species with the most amazing feet, feathers and beaks!
Birds and Conservation
Approximately 40% of the world’s bird populations are declining. As of 2018, one in eight bird species are now considered to be Endangered Species. Students will explore the role humans and environmental factors play on the decline of various species. They will also discover how the conservation efforts of zoos, scientists, and everyday community members (like them!) have led once-endangered species to make a comeback. Get an insider’s look into National Aviary bird conservation projects. Includes a visit from one of the National Aviary’s Animal Ambassadors, with a personal story about the bird they meet.
Habitats
From the frigid arctic to tropical rainforests, birds can be found in nearly every habitat on Earth! Learn what an animal needs to survive and how birds thrive in the most extreme ecosystems.
For High Schools
Birds and Conservation
Approximately 40% of the world’s bird populations are declining. As of 2018, one in eight bird species are now considered to be Endangered Species. Students will explore the role humans and environmental factors play on the decline of various species. They will also discover how the conservation efforts of zoos, scientists, and everyday community members (like them!) have led once-endangered species to make a comeback. Get an insider’s look into National Aviary bird conservation projects. Includes a visit from one of the National Aviary’s Animal Ambassadors, with a personal story about the bird they meet.
NEW! Science and Animal Behavior available after 11/1
How do we know where birds migrate to in the winter? How about what different bird sounds and behaviors mean? Or even how long a species lives in the wild? Scientists learn answers to these questions, and others, by following the scientific method while making direct observations in the wild. Students will implement the same methods and data collection techniques that ornithologists use by watching the birds and animals who live in the National Aviary’s immersive, free-flight habitats, and completing ethograms on what they see. A combination of classroom activities and independent observation work encourages students to think like scientists.
Zoo Careers
Do your students wonder what it’s like to be a zoo veterinarian? What about a zookeeper? In this program we’ll learn all about zoo careers and what it takes to work in a zoo environment.
Aviary After School
Pick 3 of our interactive programs, designed for your age group, and schedule them over consecutive days, or on a weekly or monthly basis!
Pricing: $700 for classrooms within 30 miles of the National Aviary
Pricing:
- For a classroom of 35 or less students: $300 for classroom
Book a second program on the same day for $200 (must start within 1 hour of the conclusion of the first program)
- For an assembly of more than 35 students: $475
Book a second program on the same day for $375 (must start within 1 hour of the conclusion of the first program)
Our In-person Educational Visits are for schools within 30 miles of the National Aviary.
For additional pricing, to register or to learn more about our programs, fill out our Education Inquiry Form or contact us at education.programs@aviary.org.
Enhanced Safety Protocols
The safety of your students is our top priority. In order to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community, please abide by these safety guidelines.
• For classroom programs, please provide our educators with a presentation space at least 6 feet from the first row of students.
• For assemblies, please provide our educators with a presentation space at least 12 feet from the first row of students
• If you have a COVID-19 outbreak in your school within 10 days before or after your scheduled program date, please inform our team as soon as possible.
• If you have any additional guidelines our team must follow please let us know prior to your program.