Bird Migration & Light Pollution in CT - Curriculum

This five-part lesson plan for middle school science classrooms is designed for exploration and learning about the impacts of light pollution on migratory birds in Connecticut. Light pollution negatively affects many species of migratory birds that fly through Connecticut, especially migratory songbirds.

The learning module equips learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to extend their understanding of light pollution and its effects on migratory bird populations as an unintended consequence of human development. It identifies specific learning goals, objectives, and activities for students, providing both direction and pace for the learning process. It also serves as a roadmap for educators with sequential learning objectives and thoughtful handout materials.

This curriculum was designed by Catherine Ferreri, a sixth-grade science teacher at Coleytown Middle School, in Westport, CT, who has a background in biology and the environment. Meredith Barges, a bird-friendly building expert and co-chair of Lights Out Connecticut, collaborated on the development and design of the project. The project was funded by the Hartford Audubon Society and individual donors to Lights Out Connecticut.

Educators who wish to adapt the curriculum for their students and classroom goals are encouraged to downloade the PDF as a word-processing document and make modifications directly to the main document and handout materials.

It is hoped that by increasing learning and engagement by young people about bird migration—and the challenges migratory birds face as a result of light pollution—will inspire greater care for migratory birds and meaningful, lasting change.

For more information about the curriculum, e-mail contact@lightsoutct.org