Build a Bird Feeder to Discover What Animals Need

Overview

In this lesson, each student will create a bird feeder from recycled, bird-safe materials. While designing their own bird feeders, students will discuss what basic needs an animal has and how they can meet these needs with the structure they build.

NGSS Alignment

This lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:

• K-LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

This lesson focuses on these aspects of NGSS Three Dimensional Learning:

Science & Engineering Practices	Disciplinary Core Ideas	Crosscutting Concepts
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions. Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.	LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms. All animals need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow.	Structure and Function. The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).

Materials

• Milk jugs or milk containers with cap (1 per child)
• Scissors
• Wooden dowels, twigs, or wooden coffee stirrers (2 per child)
• Bird seeds
• Mini cups (1 per child)
• Water
• Tape
• Paper plates
• Possible decorations: tree bark, shells, stones, stickers, etc.
  Note: Make sure that any materials you use to decorate the bird feeders are safe for the birds. If possible, stick to as many natural, recyclable materials as possible.
• Paintbrushes, when using paint
• Glue
• Twine, yarn, or thin rope