HawkWatch International: Using Hands-on, Real-life Learning to Improve Student Achievement

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Students developed awareness of large scale citizen science while being immersed in hands on experiences, project photo
Students developed awareness of large scale citizen science while being immersed in hands on experiences, project photo
As indicated by test scores, Utah high school students struggle with proficiency in math and science.  HawkWatch International (HWI), a non-profit organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah, has found an innovative way to reinforce state STEM concepts being taught in Utah classrooms by involving high school students in their study of cavity-nesting birds and the environmental impacts leading to their declining population.  With the support of the McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation, the Cavity Nester Citizen Science Study continues to provide a fun and engaging way for students to gain a deeper understanding of the scientific method through hands-on experience with ecological data collection, analysis, and interpretations.

What were the goals of the project?

The goals of the “Cavity Nester Citizen Science Study” fall into four categories:

  1. To improve science proficiency in local high school students by giving students the opportunity to participate in real scientific research.
  2. To get students outdoors as part of their education.
  3. To support the community and create community awareness of cavity-nesting species.
  4. To learn more about the movements, environmental impacts, and causes behind declining populations of local cavity-nesting birds and what we can do to conserve these species.

How were these goals achieved?

American Kestral, project photo
American Kestral, project photo

The project team hosted professional development workshops for teachers to introduce them to the project and explain how it supports the state’s curriculum. Lesson plans in biology, statistics, and environmental science were created.  The lesson plans are shareable so the project can be replicated in other schools.

Students were trained how to properly monitor next boxes and cavities. HawkWatch International led trips for students to learn about and assist with banding birds.  Utilizing their new skills, students monitored nest boxes and cavities near their school, conducted weekly habitat assessments, and recorded their data observations in field journals.  They formulated hypotheses, analyzed the data collected, and formed conclusions about the birds being studied.  Students presented their findings in a symposium open to their peers, families and the broader community.

What challenges were experienced along the way and how were they addressed?

Students learned to color band kestrals to allow for identification and documentation, project photo
Students learned to color band kestrals to allow for identification and documentation, project photo

Like most organizations, HawkWatch International was deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Of the four schools originally involved, two had to drop the program and the remaining two temporarily closed.  Since they were unable to physically visit classrooms or take students out to check nest boxes, they were forced to pivot to virtual visits.  The project later transformed into a hybrid approach, providing a mix of virtual and real-life visits to classrooms.

Exciting plans for the future:

HawkWatch International hopes to eventually pilot this project outside of the Wasatch Front in Utah to reach more students and transform them into conscientious environmental stewards eager to take an active role protecting the habitats of cavity nesting birds.

 Additional resources:

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