Bringing bird flu into the science classroom

Bird flu is an evolving issue that connects science with broader environmental, social and economic considerations. It also provides an opportunity for students to explore how scientific knowledge can help us understand and respond to real-world issues.

The Bird Flu Prompt Questions for Educators, developed by Bruce Baker (2026) for SASTA, AAEESA and Birds SA, provides teachers with a flexible collection of questions for exploring bird flu and H5N1 with students.

Designed for use across a range of year levels, the resource enables teachers to select and adapt questions to suit the age of their students and the depth of investigation required. Questions can be used to spark class discussion, guide student inquiry and provide a springboard for further research.

The resource encourages students to explore bird flu from a range of perspectives. Topics include bird classification, ecology and migration; viruses, disease and transmission; bird flu in Australia and around the world; scientific monitoring, testing and research; and potential social and economic impacts on people and communities. Students are also prompted to consider practical actions that individuals, schools, communities and governments can take to reduce the spread of bird flu and support birds and local wildlife.

Importantly, the resource places safety and responsible communication at the forefront. Educators are encouraged to use age-appropriate materials, consider student sensitivity when using potentially distressing images or footage, avoid alarmist language and reinforce appropriate hygiene and safety practices. The resource also emphasises that students and members of the public should not touch sick or dead birds, using the three key steps: Avoid, Record, Report.

With questions ranging from What makes a bird a bird? through to investigations of zoonotic disease, vaccination, citizen science, conservation and the economic impacts of bird flu, teachers can adjust the level of complexity to suit different learners. Students have opportunities to build their scientific knowledge and skills while considering the broader social, economic and environmental dimensions of this important issue.

To support further research, the resource also provides links to information and educational materials from trusted organisations, including the Australian Centre for Disease Control, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Wildlife Health Australia, Australian Veterinary Association and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Links to SASTA, AAEESA and Birds SA are also included.

These resources provide useful starting points for teachers and students who want to investigate bird flu, its impacts, monitoring and responses in greater depth.