SCIENCE
An ideal activity for home-based learning that focuses on the diet and habit of birds.
| Curriculum connections | |
|---|---|
| Level 1 & 2 | Recognise that all living things have certain requirements so they can stay alive. Recognise that living things are suited to their particular habitat. |
| Level 3 | Explain how living things are suited to their particular habitat and how they respond to environmental changes, both natural and human-induced. |
| Level 5 | Identify the key structural features and functions involved in the life processes of plants and animals. Investigate the interdependence of living things (including humans) in an ecosystem. |
Learning materials
- Toilet paper roll
- String/twine
- Scissors
- Honey
- Popsicle sticks
- Container that will fit a toilet paper roll (e.g. sandwich container)
- Bird seed (*or alternative feed)
Introduction
Birds like all sorts of foods, just like humans! Depending on the species of bird, they may be attracted to different smells, textures and tastes of food
- Go to this site to learn more about what species of bird is drawn to specific types of foods
- Complete the following table with 4 examples:
| Species | Nectar | Fruit | Foliage | Insects |
| e.g Tui | X | X | X | |
- Knowing what foods to avoid feeding birds is just as important as knowing what they love to eat! Using the same site, list 5 foods to avoid feeding birds in your backyard.
- Native plants provide food for birds throughout the year.
- Go to this site and use the table titled ‘Monthly calendar of plants for birds’ to choose 3 plants that provide their nutrients in April and meet the following criteria:
| Common name | Botanical name | Food |
| Nectar | ||
| Fruit and seeds | ||
| Fruit, seeds and nectar |
Activities and teaching strategies
- Fill the empty container with bird seed (or alternative feed) and place on a counter or easily cleaned surface. Using the popsicle stick, cover the outside of the toilet paper roll with honey. Roll the honey covered toilet paper roll in the bird seed until covered.
- Answer the following questions:
- What bird species do you usually see in your neighbourhood?
- Which seeds do you think will be eaten first?
- How long do you think it will take for the toilet roll to be empty?
- Thread a piece of twine through the toilet paper roll and knot. Find a spot to hang your bird feeder where you think the birds will enjoy it!
- Based on the spot you have chosen, do you think any other creatures might be able to access it? If so, which ones and why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen spot?
Extensions
| Levels 1-9 | This year April 22nd marks the 50th Anniversary of the environmental movement known as Earth Day: the bird feeder activity focuses on recycling and reusing what we already have while also taking care of the environment, the birds. What other actions can you think of to help the environment? Learn more about current Earth Day initiatives and choose one that is feasible for you to participate in. This year Earth Day has gone digital! |
| Levels 1-5 | Ornithology, the study of birds, can be further explored by keeping a journal with a tally of who visits your feeder, sketches and observations. Who visits the feeder the most? |
| Levels 3-6: | Investigate symbiotic relationships between plants and birds and how they have both adapted to the local environment in New Zealand. |
References
Department of Conservation [DOC] New Zealand. (2020). Attract birds to your garden. Retrieved on 11 April 2020 from https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/conservation-activities/attract-birds-to-your-garden/
Earth Day Organisation. (2020). Earth Day facts. Retrieved 5 April 2020 from https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2020/
Everitt, A. (2020). Toilet paper roll bird feeder – Juggling with kids. Retrieved 5 April 2020 from https://jugglingwithkids.com/2012/02/toilet-paper-roll-bird-feeder.html
Forest and Bird New Zealand Te Reo O Te Taiao. (May 2018). How to feed native birds in your garden. Retrieved on 11 April 2020 from https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/feeding-native-birds-garden
Outdoor Classroom. (2020). Lesson ideas – Outdoor learning day. Retrieved 4 April 2020 from https://outdoorclassroomday.com/resources/lesson-ideas/
By Rachel Williamson-Dean
