National Science Education Standards developed under the auspices of the National Research Council and the National Academy of Sciences. Operation RubyThroat incorporates the cross-disciplinary, experiential approach integral to U.S. As such, it serves as a Pilot Project that, after fine-tuning, can be exported for use by other organizations for students elsewhere who might look at different organisms or phenomena.

Operation RubyThroat focuses on just one bird species and includes students from a limited number of countries in the Western Hemisphere. There is little doubt that this project will result in publishable papers that, it is hoped, could be co-authored by high school science students and science professionals. Data collected and logged into school-based computers during Operation RubyThroat are exchanged freely among participants via the Internet data also are made available to practicing scientists whose input and guidance are sought during all project phases. Operation RubyThroat provides unprecedented opportunity for future scientists to develop a spirit of cooperation that is badly needed if we are to solve problems common to countries of the Western Hemisphere. By monitoring RTHUs and learning more about factors that affect them, students develop an understanding of natural systems and how human activity can impact on individual species and habitats. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (RTHU) is a Neotropical migrant continued disruption of habitat (including rain forests, temperate breeding grounds, and migratory pathways) is likely to have significant negative impact on its populations here and in the tropics. Operation RubyThroat provides students across North America and Central America with countless opportunities to engage in meaningful scientific observation and research. This unique project uses the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) as a focal point for integrated studies of meteorology, environmental science, animal behavior, botany, and the physical sciences-as well as math, language arts, geography, and other disciplines-all aided by modern telecommunications and computer technology.

Even though students are the primary target audience, Operation RubyThroat is open to ANYONE interested in hummingbirds! Individual students and adults also can be involved (including parents, mentors, and college students). Participation may include home-schooled students as well as folks from informal education venues (e.g., nature centers, camps, scout troops, etc.). The project is designed primarily for K-12 teachers and their students from public and private schools in the countries of Central America and North America: the United States, Canada, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama (map below). Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project is an international cross-disciplinary education and research initiative of Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History in York, South Carolina USA. Sampling of Cross-disciplinary Activities Scroll down the page to read the 'Project Details' narrative, or click on an individual topic to jump directly to it. Building Environmental Cooperation and Understanding

Hummingbird project