School Programs

Bring Science to Life

Our formal education programs are designed for use in public and charter school classrooms but can also be adapted to summer camps and after-school programs. All presentations are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Utah Science with Engineering Education Standards (SEEd) and use the Three-Dimensional approach to teaching science.

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K-3 Reading with Raptors

In this cross-disciplinary program, educators read a picture book that features the species of raptor attending the program. After the story, learners discuss how the raptor was represented in the book, including deciding which depictions are real and which are imaginary. Learners then meet a live raptor and learn about its unique features and role in an ecosystem.

4-6 Raptor Adaptations

In this program, learners discover the three “sharps” shared by all raptors: sharp talons, sharp bills, and sharp eyesight. Learners then compare the sharps in two different species of live raptors to see how they are similar and where they are different. This program can be adjusted by grade level to focus on adaptations, evolution, genetics, and inheritance.

7-12 Raptor Ecology

As part of a HawkWatch International education program, older learners engage with real-world data collected by HWI scientists in the course of their work monitoring and studying wild raptors. In this program, learners utilize science practices such as interpreting and analyzing data, gathering information, and making arguments from evidence to explore a raptor-related phenomenon. Potential topics include population dynamics, models of energy and matter in ecosystems, the impacts of invasive species, the design and execution of scientific studies, and more. HWI has supplementary lesson plans and materials for secondary teachers available by request. 

All Programs Include

  • Minimum of 45-minute presentation
  • A live Raptor Ambassador
  • Trained, knowledgeable educators
  • Opportunities to take photos/selfies
  • Protective coverings for floors and cleanup
“For some schools, it can be difficult to provide students with tangible examples and hands-on lessons that bring their studies to life. HWI offers a solution by bringing programs that are inspired, researched, and engaging to Utah classrooms.”
Ricky ScottUtah State Board of Education
“HawkWatch International does a fantastic job at communicating and then tailoring the presentation to whatever the classroom and curriculum needs are at the time. No matter the topic, the students are enraptured by bird visitors.”
Dani BainsmithNorthwest Middle School
“We love having HawkWatch International come to visit. It’s a fun way to bring real science into the classroom.”
Alenae MackeyGeorge Washington High School

Free and Discounted Programs are Available Thanks to Support From

You Can Close the Nature Gap

Bring hands-on science education to underserved audiences

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