Raptors in Education: How Educators Use Live Raptors for Environmental Education

Abstract

Over four decades have passed since educators began using live raptors for environmental education. Despite this span of time, very little research exists on the topic. This exploratory study describes how educators use live raptors for environmental education. The researcher interviewed 11 environmental educators, who use live raptors, to answer the following questions: 1) What program topics do environmental educators use for their live raptor programs? 2) What objectives have environmental educators established for raptor programs? 3) How are live raptors used in the education programs? 4) What do environmental educators perceive to be the effects of raptor programs on their audiences? Results indicate a breadth of environmental education topics covered, objectives that support the goals of environmental education, and perceptions that live raptor programs are producing cognitive, affective, and behavioral changes in their audiences.