"I never knew that I could be good at science."         -3rd grade student
"The program is amazing. The kids love it. The methodology really enables the children who are tactile and visual learners to comprehend their sciences studies in a more CONNECTED and concert manner. It is a whole comprehensive lesson that is so well crafted. I just realize how powerful the lessons really are."                   - FUN Program Volunteer
These quotes represent what Seattle Audubon's Elementary School Programs are all about. Since 1988, our Elementary School Programs have provided Seattle Public School students with free, hands-on, inquiry-based science lessons that are aligned with Washington State Academic Learning Requirements.  There are two components to our Elementary School Programs: our Finding Urban Nature Program (FUN) and our FUN Explorers Program.
	Adam's Elementary students observing plants in their schoolyard habitat.   -Photo by Susan Yates
The programs are a partnership between Seattle Audubon and Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and spark an interest in science and the natural world. With hundreds of trained volunteers, in as many as 24 Seattle Public Schools,these programs reach thousands of 3rd–5th graders each year, at no cost to SPS classroom teachers.
2011-2012 Program Highlights: Seattle Audubon’s Elementary School Programs served over 800 Seattle Public School Students. FUN program students on average, showed a 16% increase in environmental science knowledge and a 15% increase in a positive attitude toward the environment. FUN Explorers students mulched and cared for over 1,500 square feet of native plant species and weeded small invasive plants during an all-day field trip in June, and created a native plant field guide for birds and beyond.  This past school year, the Explorers students identified 529 individual birds, 55 species of birds, and on average, showed a 16% increase in environmental science knowledge. These results are a reflection of the outstanding work of 120 volunteers. Thank you!

Finding Urban Nature (FUN) -"Understanding Habitat Connections"

The FUN program introduces 3rd and 4th grade students to producers, consumers, and decomposers in their schoolyard habitat and how they depend on each other to survive.  Volunteer guides take a small group of up to six students outside to learn about their schoolyard habitat, first hand. Each classroom receives four different lessons in the fall and four more in the spring.

A sneak peak at a few lessons: 

• Neighborhood Birds - With hand lenses and measuring tapes, students compare a variety of stuffed birds and learn about beaks, feet, size, colors and habitats.
• Worm Worlds - Young naturalists predict the number, density and maturity of worms in a site and the reasons for those results, using sticks, string, mustard, and charts.
• Web It - Students discuss webs and spiders and where to find them before searching them out with hand lenses and spray bottles, and watching their activity.

The Fall Lessons Include: Envirolopes, Web It, Roots and Shoots, and Neighborhood Birds.

The Spring Lessons Include: Bird Nests, Leaf Hunt, Litter Critters, and Worm Worlds.

Volunteer with FUN!  

The FUN program is able to provide outdoor, hands-on, small-group lessons through the help of 100 extraordinary volunteers each year!  For each FUN lesson, a trained volunteer leads a small group of five to six 3rd or 4th-grade students. There are eight lessons during the year, four in the fall and four in the spring, each lasting about one hour per classroom. Equipped with hand lenses and other scientific tools, students are led outside to their school grounds by a volunteer guide to observe, investigate, explore the natural world.  They learn that nature is everywhere— not just in a wilderness area or a television nature program. Volunteers do not need any previous experience. Training will be provided.  Check our website each fall and spring for volunteer announcements.     

FUN Explorers - "For Birds and Beyond" 

The Explorers program builds on the foundation laid by the FUN program, helping 5th graders learn about birds and understand the connection between birds and native plant habitats.  Students learn about bird adaptations, how to identify them by sight and sound, and determine ways in which birds depend on native plants. As a culmination of the program, students spend a day at a city park near their school, identifying birds, removing invasive plant species, and determining ways in which they can protect and restore native plant habitats for birds and beyond!

Want FUN at Your School?

Are you a Seattle Public School? 

The FUN program is a free program for Seattle Public Schools. Space is limited.

Are you a private or out of district school? The FUN program is offered to private and non-Seattle Public Schools too! The cost of the program is $400 for the year.  This includes two trainings, eight lessons, and all the materials necessary for the program.   

Donations welcome! The Elementary School programs are free of cost to Seattle Public School classrooms and are funded by grants and donations. If you would like more information about how you can support these programs, please contact our development staff at 206-523-8243 x 16.   

For more information about the Elementary School Programs, volunteering, or donations, please contact  the Elementary School Programs Manager at,  206-523-8243 ext. 19 or info@seattleaudubon.org.