One of the best parts of teaching STEM is connecting students with real experts in the field. Today, Monday, September 22nd, my birding class had the privilege of hearing from two fantastic guest speakers who brought the world of ornithology to life.
Dr. Rebekah Rylander, Science Coordinator for the Rio Grande Joint Venture with the American Bird Conservancy, spoke about why protecting birds and their habitats matters. She walked students through bird research methods and the requirements to become a professional bird bander, finishing with insights into the kind of data scientists collect from banding projects.
Next, Matthew Hendrix, Education Coordinator for the Nueces Delta Preserve, wowed the class with hummingbird facts. He shared a Ruby-throated Hummingbird nest, replicas of eggs and skulls, and diagrams showing how a hummingbird’s tongue can fit up into its skull — amazing! To finish, he led a hands-on “bird migration” activity in the school gardens, where students experienced the challenges and rewards birds face while migrating…