KIDS CONNECT WITH RARE FALCONS ONLINE IN NEW ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

"Raptors in the City" is a new inquiry-based science, internet and print research program for grades 4-6, starring the fastest creature on earth, the peregrine falcon, a species that has recovered from near extinction. "Raptors in the City" guides children through nesting season as they watch falcons live online via cameras mounted on skyscrapers.

What's the fastest creature on earth? What species has recovered from the brink of extinction? What cliff-dwelling raptor has adapted to city life and is moving onto skyscrapers across North America? If you answered the peregrine falcon, you're right!

This glamorous speedster is the subject of a new science program for children in grades 4-6 called "Raptors in the City". The peregrine falcon was removed from the List of Endangered Species in 1999 and is one of the great success stories in the field of wildlife conservation. Because the cliff-dwelling peregrine has adapted to city life (nesting on skyscrapers and feasting on a falcon delicacy, pigeon), it is the perfect vehicle to connect kids with wildlife. Raptors in the City uses the internet and print materials to make the connection. Live "falcon cameras" mounted on skyscrapers allow young scientists to follow the drama of nesting season up close and personal via the internet.

Raptors in the City is underway in a variety of classrooms and afterschool settings across the nation. The program is an educational success and a hit with the kids. "It has everything that kids love," says teacher Deborah Mathies, creator of the program, "-- the intrigue of courtship, life and death battles (the peregrine is a fierce predator), plus adorable fluffy chicks." The program is national and international in scope. For example, connections have been made between kids in New York City and experts in Cleveland and Montreal.

The program is rich in educational content, based on national science and technology standards, and has many cross-curricular applications. Math question: how fast could a peregrine travel the distance of a football field at top speed? The kids will be asked to calculate the answer - which is one second!

Raptors in the City was designed for ease of use, even for computer challenged teachers and mentors. "Basically, you just add kids," says Mathies. The children are assigned tasks to research, both on the internet and in books, and they earn rewards for their work. But the greatest reward is watching the drama of family life as it happens on camera. "Courting" usually begins in late winter, hatching in spring, and the chicks take their first flight in early summer. Chicks are banded and continue to be followed. Since peregrine means "wanderer" the birds are tracked all over North America, and a bird from Canada may move onto a skyscraper in Detroit. It's all part of the drama. The children follow the activities of one falcon family in-depth, and according to a teacher in New York City, "My students say that soap operas have nothing on this story -- and what a story it is!"

Raptors in the City has applications in the library, classroom, afterschool or homeschool program. It teaches the lesson of endangered species from the positive perspective that species can be helped and saved. It also teaches a gamut of environmental, biological, and technological lessons, as well as research skills and is based on national science and technology standards. A complete study package for peregrine research consisting of assignments, evaluation tools and rewards, a resource book, and an e-newsletter is available for teachers, librarians, and mentors. The ultimate aim of the program is to encourage children to care about the future of all species.

Many children are already raptor fans. Raptors in the City is capturing their interest in this majestic creature that increasingly rules city skies. The goal of the program is to encourage children to look up as they walk in their neighborhoods and learn about things that are wild in the city.

For more information e-mail: mindfullpub@home.com, and visit the program's website: www.raptorsinthecity.com