First Graders Take Flight: Discovering the World of Bird Conservation at Barr Lake
This September, our first-grade students embarked on an exciting journey into the world of bird conservation at Barr Lake, kickstarting their year-long service learning project. In a delightful surprise, Graland's beloved Eagle mascot visited each classroom before the trip to personally invite the young adventurers to explore its natural habitat and meet its feathered friends.
During the field trip, first graders interacted with scientists from the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, who introduced them to the fascinating process of bird banding and its role in understanding bird lifespans, migration patterns, and environmental changes. The students observed the banding process, witnessing the placement of small, unique metal bands on the birds' legs in a friendly way.
Several students even got hands-on experience holding the delicate creatures and releasing them back into their environment. Throughout the adventure, first graders noted their observations in science journals, setting the foundation for future research.
To build on this experience, bird-related activities are integrated into various first-grade subjects throughout the year, including science, Spanish, Tinker Time, literacy, art, and math. Students will also collaborate on initiatives to make Graland's campus more bird-friendly later in the year.
We're proud of our first-grade conservationists and can't wait to see their progress as they continue to soar in their studies!
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
