Every once in a while, I come across a great homeschooling freebie. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology sent us classroom materials including a bag of Pennington bird seed and a suction cup bird feeder. I wanted to stick the bird feeder to our classroom window, but Paul thought seed falling into the gutters might be a problem.
I decided we could use the bird seed for a craft, since we couldn't use it in the feeder. The science program we're working on reviewing has challenged me to let the kids figure things out on their own, so I simply provided materials and ideas, and let the kids come up with their own bird feeders.
Materials:
bird seed
peanut butter
heavy string or twine
empty toilet paper tubes
After setting everything out and explaining, I got out of the way and let them go to it.
They each came up with a different design. I love watching their creative trial & error process.
The basic steps are: Use the twine to attach the tubes to each other and to make a hangar.
Spread tube or tubes with peanut butter.
Add birdseed. You can roll the tube in the bowl of birdseed or sprinkle it on. The peanut butter is a very effective "glue" for the seeds. That's it! Easy peasy and open to creative interpretation.
I asked the kids to consider where the birds might "perch" while they are eating when coming up with their designs.
Then we went out to find a spot to hang them.
I hope our neighborhood birds are good at Easter egg hunts!
Eli's design is very secure. Those tubes will not be coming apart.
Brianna eventually settled on placing hers here.
Eli hung his under the picture spot.
The Cornell kit also included several pairs of binoculars, coupons for additional bird seed, lesson plans, and certificates. The boys used the binoculars to watch for birds.
Sure enough, somebody was soon curious what the humans were up to out back.
We'll be watching over the next few weeks to see if we can catch them having a nibble.
Linking up with: http://happyandblessedhome.com and
Wow! What a great and easy craft! Love it! Your kids creativity is admirable for sure! I'm pinning this to my Science board for future reference and G+ your circle (not sure of G+ lingo, I'm still new to it all) :) But, I'm following you on G+, maybe that's what I mean :) God bless!
ReplyDeleteFollowing you back! :)
DeletePS: You have a beautiful family! What abundant and wonderful blessings!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteMy son made bird feeders this week too. He wondered what type of seed birds like best, and covered pinecones with four types. They haven't been discovered yet, so we're still waiting to see which ones get eaten first.
ReplyDeleteCool! I felt a little bad for not getting to this earlier, since January is the hardest month for birds, and we're well into spring weather here, but hopefully, they'll enjoy it anyway. :) I love the idea of offering different types of seed!
DeleteShecki, I just LOVE this! I am featuring you as one of my favorites in this week's Hearts for Home Blog Hop. Be sure to stop by tomorrow night when it goes live to grab your button. :-) Many blessings, Lisa (from TOS Crew) :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
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