Setting Challenges – “ICT and the outdoor Classroom” A science and mathematics project for Key Stage 1 and 2 Pupils The Kent Bird Watch 2010 project is an exciting opportunity for Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils to discover more about birds and their habitats. Commencing in January 2010 pupils will have the opportunity to work with RSPB Officers, link each month with overseas schools and view “Bird cams” situated in school grounds and RSPB Centres around Kent. Click here Click here to visit the Kent Birdwatch 2010 micro-site Commencing January 2010

Embedding ICT across the curriculum “A Partnership Project” Kent Bird Watch 2010 is a Partnership project involving the following organisations. For more information about the project contact your partnership “Hands on Support” Coordinator

What is the project about? “ICT helps pupils learn in science by giving access to information and ways to measure and analyse variables. Methods of investigation and visualisation are increased and the collation of data is made easier. ICT in science offers pupils new ways to communicate their ideas.”findings.” The project is an opportunity for pupils to: * Learn about the life cycle of different species of birds * Learn about birds eating and sleeping patterns * Learn about wildlife conservation and protection * Use webcam technology to observe birds in their natural environment * Post questions on the project blog for local environmental experts to answer * Web conference and interview RSPB Officers

What will the pupils do? Schools and their pupils will have the opportunity during 2010 to take part in a range of activities linked to the whole curriculum: These will include: * Literacy – Letter writing, publishing reports, blogging and web conferencing * Numeracy – creating and analysing graphs and tables * Science – learning about living things and their habitats * Design Technology – Designing and making bird boxes * Geography – migration and routes * Art – 2 and 3 D paintings and sculptures Click Here Click Here to view the full 2010 programme of events

Installing a Nestcam in your school grounds An opportunity to view birds and chicks in your nest box! A good quality Bird box with web cam will cost from £80. To download live video images to your television or computer you will also need a wire lead and an AV cable. Most companies supply these items with the Bird box but to position the Bird box further away from the school additional cabling costing will be required. For information about SEGFL approved products click on the link below: Click here Click here to visit the McCam website

How will pupils use ICT? Design and make bird boxes Publish and share their 2 and 3-D Art Work Create and analyse graphs and tablesCreate magazines and leaflets Create videos and animationsParticipate in online discussions

How will we share information with others? Details of all schools participating in the project will be displayed on Google Maps Click on pins to access the web cam links!

How will we share information with others? Schools will be able to publish pupils work on: The project micro-site Making the News The National Education Network Gallery Kent Learning Zone Their VLE

How will we gather information During the project pupils will have the opportunity to regularly post questions on the project blog and web conference with RSPB Officers!

The opportunity to visit RSPB sites Activity Days at Kent RSPB Centres During the year pupils will have the opportunity to visit RSPB centres to take part in a range of activities that include: The Insect Sweep Classifying Land use Food chains Ditch dipping Searching for Invertebrates The Habitats Game

How will we gather information Links with schools overseas Each month pupils will have the opportunity to web conference (flashmeeting) and exchange information with schools across the world!

How can my school register to take part in Kent Weather Watch 2010? To register just click on the link below and download the “Booking Form” for Kent schools. Kent Birdwatch 2010 Booking Form

Kent Birdwatch 2010 Twilight Workshops Kent Bird Box Twilight Meetings will be taking place across Kent in October/November. Led by Hands on Support Consultants, RSPB Officers and ICT Leading Teachers these meetings will be an opportunity for teachers to learn more about web cam technology and the 2010 planned programme of events. Twilight Meetings – October /early November 2009 Lasting from 3.45 to 5.15 p.m. “Bird Box” Twilight Meetings will be taking place in the following Partnerships during the Autumn Term. Monday 21 st September “Thanet Schools” Cliftonville Primary Tuesday 6 th October “Ashford Schools” Ashford Oaks Primary Wednesday 14 th October “Canterbury City Schools” Adisham Primary Thursday 15 th October “Deal/Sandwich Schools” Wingham Primary Wednesday 21 st October “Canterbury Coastal” Swalecliffe Primary Tuesday 3 rd November “Swale Schools” Bredgar Primary Thursday 19 th November“Swanley & District/Dartford and Gravesham Schools” Horton Kirby Environmental Edu Centre Details of all meetings for West Kent schools taking place in November 2009 will be published shortly on the “Kent Birdwatch 2010” microsite

For more information about the project contact: Phil Bracegirdle – ASK ICT Hands on Support Consultant Nicola Garland – ASK ICT Consultant David James – RSPB Kent Education Officer Rob Slight – ICT AST and Projects Officer Canterbury City Partnership (for information about installing a nestcam) Colette Cotton – Shepway 1 Leading ICT Teacher (Links with overseas schools) Diana Marsden – Hands on Support ICT Swanley & District LCSP (for info on i-catcher CCTV)