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Lights Out Education Program
About
The Lights Out, Texas! Education package is designed to engage students through three tailored, TEKS-aligned modules for grades 3–5 and grades 6–8. The goal of this program is to empower students to explore bird migration, light pollution, and urban ecology through inquiry-based lessons and real-world data. This program builds scientific literacy and fosters student-led action by utilizing a holistic strategy to shift awareness, behavior, and advocacy toward bird-friendly cities.
Access the curriculum here:
https://act.audubon.org/a/lights-out-texas-curriculum
The grade 3–5 lessons, developed by Travis Audubon and Defenders of Wildlife, are designed to spark early environmental stewardship through age-appropriate content. During the lessons, students are engaged in discussions and wonder-driven, hands-on activities to connect conservation topics with traditional classroom learning.
The grade 6–8 lessons, developed by Texas Conservation Alliance and curriculum consultant Meridith Cooper, integrate real data from the Lights Out, Texas! Monitoring Project to further the connection between the classroom and real-world data collection. Throughout the lessons, students utilize their critical thinking skills and complete student-led action projects to emphasize the importance of advocacy in the conservation field.
For The Birds, developed in partnership with Maritimus Magazine, is a supplemental activity in the form of a digital game. Students navigate this interactive story to build a city that is beneficial for both people and wildlife as they learn about the impacts of light pollution and urban development on migrating birds.
Play For The Birds here: ForTheBirds.neocities.org
Though still in its early phases, TCA’s education program has already shown promising results in expanding awareness. By combining classroom-based learning with community engagement, we are laying the groundwork for long-term conservation impact. Through these two approaches, we aim to track meaningful outcomes in three areas: student awareness and action, educator engagement, and community impact.
The goal is for students to develop a deeper understanding of bird migration, light pollution, and urban ecology. Students are powerful messengers, and create an impact by carrying the Lights Out message into their homes and communities. Even simple activities such as creating a poster or writing a letter can spark greater advocacy efforts.
Teachers who integrate Lights Out into their classrooms are helping shape the next generation of environmental stewards. The curriculum fosters cross-curricular connections, from science and writing to real-world problem-solving while focusing on local conservation topics.
The Lights Out message expands beyond urban centers, impacting rural and suburban communities. Through nature centers, Texas Master Naturalist chapters, and grassroots efforts, every Texan can understand and appreciate the benefit of Lights Out.
Questions or comments: Contact Hannah@tcatexas.org
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