Registrations are open once again for the next Big Schools' Birdwatch run by the RSPB. It is open to schools and youth groups such as Brownies and Scouts. A free teachers' pack is available with all the details and the RSPB site is packed with information and resources to support the event. Children will need to observe birds that visit the school grounds.

It is being held between the 19 and 30 January and a new feature this time is that you can build your own graphs and charts when you submit your results. The new interactive whiteboard tools mean that you can display your own data and a series of questions provided by the RSPB will get your class exploring and interpreting their results.

This is a really good opportunity for your pupils to see data handling in action and you will also be helping the RSPB to monitor bird numbers too.

You will need to do some preparation before hand, especially if you don't generally feed the birds at your school. There is good advice as to how you can encourage birds to visit, including how to 'make a speedy bird cake'. And, if it encourages children to take an interest and look after the birds in their own gardens then that can't be bad!

By the way, if you like birds don't forget the Big Garden Birdwatch which gives you an excuse for putting your lesson preparation on one side for an hour. All you will need to do is sit down, relax with a cuppa and enjoy watching the birds come into your garden. Whether you are an 'expert' or 'beginner' just submit your results and you will be taking part in the world's biggest garden bird survey!