DISCUSS (1 of 4):
Do you think this bird would come to the feeder? Why or why not? Hint: Think about what the bird would like to eat.
DISCUSS (2 of 4):
Do you think this bird would come to the feeder? Why or why not? Hint: Think about what the bird would like to eat.
DISCUSS (3 of 4):
Do you think this bird would come to the feeder? Why or why not? Hint: Think about what the bird would like to eat.
DISCUSS (4 of 4):
Do you think this bird would come to the feeder? Why or why not? Hint: Think about what the bird would like to eat.
DISCUSS:
How do you think this feeder works to attract hummingbirds?
Building a prototype bird feeder can take up to 30 more minutes if your class is enthusiastic.
If your time is limited, this is a natural stopping point. You can have students write their names on their worksheets and collect them. You can then build the prototype bird feeders and complete the worksheet during your next science class.
Adding a bird feeder is one way to attract birds. Are there other ways to make a place more attractive to birds? Think about:
This article from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology will give you many ideas. If you have a school garden, this discussion could even lead to a project you carry out as a class!
Celebrate Urban Birds project provides great advice on bird feeders. If you’re feeling crafty, they provide instructions for making DIY feeders. If you don’t have time to make a feeder, consider one that sticks to the window with suction cups, like this one.
What kinds of birds are you likely to see at your feeder? Check out this list of common feeder birds, cross referenced by where they live and what they like to eat.
And if you get stumped and can’t tell a crow from a raven or a finch from a sparrow, you aren’t alone. This these tricky bird identification tips will help!
These Common-Core-aligned readings are free with registration on ReadWorks. All readings include comprehension questions.
Martin's Birdhouse: Encourage your beginning designers with this story about how drawing pictures helps two friends build a birdhouse. (Grade 2)
This set of articles will help beginning readers learn more about birds. (Grade 1)
Unite for Literacy provides online books with audio in English and Spanish.
See what birds are grabbing for a snack right now at the Wild Birds Unlimited feeder in Ithaca, New York. Below the live feed, you can check out past visitors to the feeder.
Watch toucans and other tropical birds munch on fruit at the Panama Fruit Feeder Cam.
Check out the hummingbirds visiting a feeder at the Tandayapa Bird Lodge in northwest Ecuador.
Food isn’t the only thing that will attract birds. Take a look at who visits this backyard bird bath. How many different kinds of birds do you count?
Grade 2
Animal Biodiversity
Biodiversity & Engineering
2-LS4-1, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3
In this lesson, students investigate which kinds of birds are likely to visit a bird feeder based on what they eat. In the activity, Design a Bird Feeder, students first draw their own bird feeder design to attract a specific type of bird. Then they build a prototype of their bird feeder using available materials.
Preview activityBird Feeder Inspiration worksheet | 8 copies |
My Bird Feeder worksheet | 30 copies |
Paper Hole Punch
A useful supply for making bird feeders, but if you don't have one, that's okay!
|
Details
1 paper punch
|
Scissors
|
30 pairs |
Aluminum Foil
|
15 feet |
Dot Stickers
We prefer stickers because they are easier to distribute in a classroom.
Tape will also work.
|
Details
240 stickers
|
Paper Cups (8 oz)
|
30 cups |
Paper Plates
|
30 plates |
Pipe Cleaners
|
60 pipe cleaners |
Skewers
Sharpened pencils will also work.
|
Details
30 skewers
|
Small Binder Clips (3/4")
Clothespins will also work.
|
Details
30 clips
|
Each student will create their own bird feeder, but we suggest students work in pairs to share ideas. Homeschool students can work on their own.
Part 1 (designing a bird feeder) takes 15 to 20 minutes. Part 2 (building the prototype) can take up to 30 minutes.
You may want to divide this lesson into two sessions, stopping after Part 1 and continuing with Part 2 at a later point. If you plan to do the activity in two sessions, building the bird feeder begins at Step 7.
We encourage you to raid your recycling bin for building supplies. You can use materials you find there to substitute or supplement our list of supplies.
Tear aluminum foil into 6” squares so that you have enough for each student.
We suggest providing each student with 8 dot stickers. You can divide these up before class for easier distribution.
If you would like to add bird seed to students’ prototype feeders, you'll need to buy a bag. Be warned: spilled bird seed can be messy. Student prototype bird feeders may not be sturdy enough to actually put outside and use.
We created the Bird Feeder Inspiration printout for students who may be stumped or frustrated by the task of making a bird feeder. We suggest letting students first try to come up with ideas on their own, providing these Inspiration printouts only to those who need extra guidance.
Grade 2
Animal Biodiversity
Biodiversity & Engineering
2-LS4-1, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3
Thanks for your feedback! If you have a question or need help, please contact us. Please consider sharing your review:
Sorry the lesson didn’t go well. We read every single review in an effort to improve our Mysteries.
Thanks for letting us know. We’ll wait to ask you for feedback until after you've actually taught it.
Thanks for the feedback! We read every single review in an effort to improve our Mysteries.
Please follow these steps:
Locked
6:10
Why is the sky blue?
Locked
4:41
Why do we call them doughnuts?
Locked
5:16
Could a turtle live outside its shell?
Your membership is expired. The archive of past Mini Lessons is not included in your limited access.
View pricing