Turning Curiosity Into Action

Trials in Flight
Wildlife Literacy Project

Explore wildlife through stories, photographs, science, and the practice of close observation.

For classrooms, families, and curious readers

Start with curiosity.
See where it leads.

The Trials in Flight Wildlife Literacy Project connects Galen’s story with real wildlife, photographs, and small actions that make a difference. Choose an activity that interests you. Each packet includes guidance and printable worksheets, free to download with no sign-up.

Four free printable packets

Choose your next discovery.

Each image shows three sample pages. Select it to read the complete PDF, or use the download button to save a copy.

Free Learning Activities · Activity 1

If Our Class Were a Flock

A six-page printable activity for students to observe how a flock works together, make decisions, and reflect on formation flight.

Preview the pages

Three sample pages from If Our Class Were a Flock: teacher guide, flockmate traits, and leadership versus the point position

Activity 1 · Open the complete 6-page PDF ↗

Download the free packet (PDF)

6 pages · PDF · No sign-up needed

Optional extension: Who should take the point?

After Activity 1, give small groups a change in flight conditions—headwind, fatigue, fog, or a predator nearby. Ask them to choose a bird to take the point, then explain their decision using the characters and flight science.

The point is a demanding flight position that rotates. Windseeker’s role as matriarch involves broader experience, judgment, and responsibility.

Meet the characters →

Free classroom packet · Activity 2

Beyond the Frame

Grades 4–8 · 30–40 minutes

Turn one wildlife photograph into careful observations, researchable questions, and an imagined moment before or after the image.

Preview the pages

Preview of the Beyond the Frame teacher guide and student worksheets

Activity 2 · Open the complete 5-page PDF ↗

Download free activity PDF

5 pages · PDF · No sign-up needed

Free classroom packet · Activity 3

One Photograph, Three Stories

Grades 5–8 · 40–50 minutes

Write a factual wildlife field note, an imaginative scene, and an evidence-based conservation caption using the same photograph.

Preview the pages

Preview of the One Photograph, Three Stories teacher guide and student worksheets

Activity 3 · Open the complete 5-page PDF ↗

Download free activity PDF

5 pages · PDF · No sign-up needed

Free classroom packet · Activity 4

Activity 4: The Small Miraculous Thing

Teacher & family guide · 20–30 minutes to plan, plus time for your chosen action

Help wildlife close to home, volunteer at a wildlife refuge, or choose both. You do not have to travel far to do something miraculous that helps wildlife live their best life.