Heather Gerth

I am passionate about ecology, birds, and getting students outside observing and studying the natural world! I am a scientist with experience in field ecology research and publications in peer-reviewed ecology journals. I've conducted research in Costa Rica, Teton Mountain National Park, the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and in the Midwest.  Most of my research has focused on birds and landscape ecology. I am also an effective environmental educator and naturalist with over 20 years of experience teaching students of all ages.

Welcome!

Welcome to Field Biology Class! Our online ornithology classes for teens, led by a passionate scientist with extensive field research and teaching experience, provide an engaging learning environment for young bird enthusiasts. Field biology, the study of organisms and their interactions in their natural habitats, is at the core of our curriculum. Join our live Teen Bird Club to connect with peers and share bird sightings. Dive deeper with the Ornithologist in Training Curriculum Series, offering flexible, asynchronous learning and personalized instructor feedback. Rooted in our teaching philosophy, which prioritizes active participation in the scientific method and inclusivity in the online classroom, we believe in online classes as a launchpad for exploring nature and engaging in ecological research.

Classes 

Teen Bird Club: 

In this live, weekly, 50 minute course, bird enthusiasts ages 13-18 will have the opportunity to meet other young birders. In each class, students will meet to share their recent bird sightings, swap birding tips, and learn about one taxonomic Order and/or Family of birds each week. This is an inclusive group that welcomes beginner and expert birders alike.     

Ornithologist in Training Curriculum Series:

Budding young ornithologists may take any course in the series as a stand-alone course, or may take 3 full years of Ornithology courses that culminate in the development of skills in independent ornithology field research and college-prep scientific writing. All courses are offered in a flexible-schedule, asynchronous format with personalized instructor feedback on course materials and live weekly support "office hours" for additional instructor support and peer interaction. 

Teaching Philosophy:

1. I believe that students learn science best through active participation. I like to incorporate participation in citizen science projects and/or engagement with one or more parts of the scientific method.  
2. I believe that each student is a valuable member of the learning community in my class. I strive to include all students and offer several different methods for classroom participation (verbal, chat, etc...).  I encourage students to participate in whatever way is comfortable for them. 
3. I believe that online classes can be a launchpad for nature exploration and field ecology research. My role as an online ecology teacher is to inspire students to get outside and to equip them with the lifelong skills they need to continue learning about the natural world around them.    
4. I believe that an appreciation and understanding of ecology will equip your students to be thoughtful, caring, hopeful, and active global citizens who value environmental sustainability.

I also teach on Outschool.com. Take a look at my   class reviews on Outschool!