Special Feature Lesson:

 Bird Nest Model

Overview:
Students collect natural materials commonly used by nesting songbirds and attempt to make their own model nests.

Curriculum Focus:
• science
• art

Materials:
• large plastic storage bag
• newspaper
• grass
• twigs, moss, leaves, other natural materials
• string
• shredded paper/paper bags
• other "people" stuff
• soft mud (or modeling clay)

Activity::

Before presenting this activity, decide if you will collect the materials listed above or if you will allow students to collect them. Create nest "kits" by placing enough building materials for each student into a large plastic storage bag. Review Special Feature with the class. Ask students which kinds of nests they have seen outdoors and if they have observed birds building nests. Tell students you are challenging them to make a cup nest such as robins, sparrows and other songbirds commonly build.

Have students cover their work areas with newspaper. Pass out the storage bags containing nest materials for each student. Display this issue of Puddler for reference as students begin to shape their nests. Tell students to use as little mud or clay as possible, and to weave the materials together as a bird might. Allow time for students to share their finished nests and their experiences making them. Have students explain why they think it might be easier or harder for a bird to build a cup nest than for a human.

Extension idea:
Take students on a walk outdoors and challenge them to locate nests made by birds and other animals. Be sure not to disturb any nest, because the parents might leave the nest for good.