Count Birds + Sweet Tweets 🐦💌


The Conscious Classroom

Simple, sustainable STEM ideas that reduce waste, spark curiosity, and inspire young minds.

Hi Reader,

If you need a simple, meaningful, zero-prep activity for this weekend — I’ve got one.

Did you know the Great Backyard Bird Count is happening February 13–16?

It’s completely free to participate, and it’s one of the easiest ways to turn your kids (or students!) into real-life citizen scientists. Hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, this global event invites you to simply:

  • Spend at least 15 minutes observing birds
  • Count what you see
  • Submit your checklist online

That’s it.

You can do it from your backyard, a local park, or even looking out your kitchen window. It’s science, fresh air, data collection, and screen-free learning all wrapped into one simple activity.

And since we’re talking birds…

Why not make them a few Valentine’s “tweets”? 💕

If you haven’t tried making DIY birdseed ornaments yet, this is your sign. They’re easy, inexpensive, and such a fun way to show a little love to your backyard wildlife.

I shared the full tutorial here:

It’s the perfect pairing:

Count the birds. Feed the birds. Fall in love with nature all over again.

Let me know if you participate — I’d love to hear what species show up in your backyard this weekend!

Sustainably Yours,

Jessica

P.S. If you try either activity, take a pic and tag me! There’s nothing better than seeing families learning together outside. 🌿

$5.00

Valentine’s Day STEM Block Challenge

Turn Valentine’s Day into a hands-on STEM celebration! This 21 page, low-prep activity pack helps elementary students... Read more


Unsubscribe · Preferences

Thoughtfully Sustainable

Are you a parent or teacher that’s looking to integrate science and sustainability concepts into your learners’ lives? I’m here to help! My name is Jessica and I’m a science teacher and mom that creates hands-on sustainability and STEM lessons for grades K-8 to cultivate critical thinking skills and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Read more from Thoughtfully Sustainable
A young girl riding a white pony while jumping over an obstacle outside

The Conscious Classroom Simple, sustainable STEM ideas that reduce waste, spark curiosity, and inspire young minds. Hi Reader, The Lunar New Year began on February 17th — and this year is the Year of the Fire Horse. Now if you know our family, you know this feels extra meaningful over here. My daughter competing at her first jumping show. My 13-year-old has been riding English for five years and is completely in love with everything horses — the muddy boots, the grooming, the braids, the...

3 people stand on the Olympic winners podium at the Olympic Jumping Complex

The Conscious Classroom Simple, sustainable STEM ideas that reduce waste, spark curiosity, and inspire young minds. Hi Reader, The 2026 Winter Olympics begin today, and if you’ve been around here for a while, you know our family loves the Olympic Games. My kids and I standing in front of the Olympic Jumping Complex in Lake Placid, NY A few years ago, we traveled to Lake Placid, NY — home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics — and explored the training grounds where athletes once stood on the...

The word “love” written with interlocking bricks on a tabletop

The Conscious Classroom Simple, sustainable STEM ideas that reduce waste, spark curiosity, and inspire young minds. Hi Reader, Valentine’s Day is almost here — and while I love a festive moment, I also love finding ways to make holidays meaningful, low-waste, and hands-on for kids. That’s exactly why I created the Valentine’s Day STEM Block Challenge — a 21-page printable activity that uses interlocking blocks you likely already have at home or in your classroom to teach real math and design...