SHAHNAAZ OJHA Ojha has created the project "Guiding Birds Home: Local Lighting Solutions with Global Impact" in Class2Class.org
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Guiding Birds Home: Local Lighting Solutions with Global Impact
What is this project about?
Students collaborate with partner classes internationally to design practical lighting modifications for their cities that would reduce bird collisions and disorientation during migration. They develop a comprehensive proposal with specific locations...
- Age of Students
- 13-15 years
- Project Duration
- 16 weeks
- Starting Month
- August 2026
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to identify and describe how artificial lighting affects migratory bird behavior and navigation during nighttime travel.
Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of bird-safe lighting technologies by applying them to specific locations in their city.
Students will be able to analyze and compare lighting solutions proposed by international partner classrooms to distinguish the most effective approaches for their local context.
Students will be able to evaluate the feasibility and environmental impact of different lighting modifications based on scientific evidence and community needs.
Students will be able to design and propose a comprehensive bird-safe lighting plan for their city, incorporating feedback from global partners and advocacy strategies for local stakeholders.
Skills to develop
Project Activities
Understanding Bird Migration and Lighting Threats
Students watch short videos and discuss how artificial lighting affects migratory birds, then share what they learn with their international partner class via a live video call to introduce the project and build initial connections.
Research and Map Local Lighting Hotspots
Students investigate their city's lighting patterns, identify high-risk areas for bird collisions, and research bird-safe lighting technologies. They create a detailed map and comparison chart of current versus recommended solutions, then exchange findings with partner classes asynchronously to learn about different urban contexts.
Design and Refine Bird-Safe Lighting Proposals
Working in teams, students develop specific lighting modification proposals for 2-3 priority locations in their city, incorporating feedback from partner classes and scientific evidence. They create a prototype or action plan showing exact changes, costs, and environmental benefits.
Build Advocacy Strategy and Community Engagement Plan
Students design a campaign to convince local government or environmental organizations to adopt their recommendations. They prepare persuasive materials, identify key stakeholders, and plan outreach activities with community partners like Rotary.
Present Solutions and Reflect on Global Collaboration
Students present their final bird-safe lighting proposal to local stakeholders and reflect on how working with international partners shaped their thinking and solutions. They showcase what they learned about both migratory birds and global teamwork.
Lights Out Awareness Campaign: Local Outreach and Bird Advocacy
Students create a compelling slides presentation showcasing local migratory bird species, the impact of artificial lighting on their navigation, and bird-safe lighting solutions. They then deliver this presentation to high-rise building managers, community centers, and local organizations to advocate for displaying awareness posters and adopting safer lighting practices in their city.