About the Project🪹
This fun and creative project introduces young learners to the wonders of nature and appreciation for wildlife. Learners, working in groups, will collaborate to build a bird nest. This project is designed to encourage teamwork, creativity, observation skills and a deeper connection to the environment around them.
Educators can decide the aspects they want learners to explore through this project. Depending on the context and learning level of the learner, educators can pick and choose the elements of this project. Available material for this activity is left to educator’s discretion and can be used depending on the age and context of the learners.
Overview
Age group: 6 – 8 year old
Duration: 1 – 4 hours
Group Size: Small groups of 3 – 5 learners
Instructions for Educators
🪶 Divide learners into Groups: Organize learners into small groups of 3–5 students per group.
🪶 Distribute worksheet: Provide each group with a worksheet.
🪶 If possible, plan a trip to a garden or give students time to observe and research the birds.
🪶 Provide basic instructions ensuring learners have autonomy to build their own, below are few instructions.
- 🐦 Learners will be building nests.
- 🐦They have to start with identifying what kind of birds will use the house and come to consensus with the group.
- 🐦Then the group can design the house. Encourage them to use design space in the worksheet to ideate. Ask students to make a list of material they may use for building the nest.
- 🐦Once they are ready, they can explore their surroundings to gather material. Encourage them to collect material which has already fallen instead of breaking or plucking.
🪶 End the session with the discussion about all the nests, so all the students can have a chance to explain and understand others’ thought process.
Material for the Project
🪶 Outdoors for the observation and project. In case outdoor is not available, try to make natural material available.
🪶 Leaves, twigs, grass etc. (When outdoors, encourage students to use material which is available on ground instead of plucking it)
🪶 Tools: Scissors, paper cutter.
🪶 Worksheet: Build a Nest (Optional)
Learning Objectives
Skills
- Creativity
Through this activity, learners will have to come up with creative ideas to design and build a nest using materials that they may not typically use. They will be encouraged to think innovatively about how different natural materials such as leaves, twigs, and grass can be arranged to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing structure. This process nurtures their ability to experiment, adapt, and express their ideas uniquely.
- Collaboration
This activity requires learners to work effectively in a team, fostering teamwork and communication skills. They must engage in discussions to decide on the type of nest, allocate tasks such as collecting materials, assembling the house, and refining its design. By collaborating, they learn the importance of listening to others’ perspectives, resolving conflicts, and working towards a common goal.
- Problem-Solving
Building a nest presents several challenges, such as selecting appropriate materials, ensuring structural stability, and adapting to resource limitations. Learners will need to think critically to overcome obstacles, such as finding alternative materials if one is unavailable or figuring out how to securely assemble their nest without glue or nails. This skill helps them develop resilience and resourcefulness in real-world situations. Adding to the challenge, learners can be encouraged to think about the durability of their nest during various seasons.
- Observation
Before building the nest, students will examine local bird species to understand their nesting habits and requirements. They will observe the size, materials, and location preferences of birds, helping them make informed design choices. This practice sharpens their ability to notice details, analyze patterns in nature, and apply their observations to a hands-on project.
Knowledge
- Understands the basic needs of birds and their nesting habits.
Students learn that birds require a safe and comfortable space to lay eggs and raise their young. They understand different nesting behaviors, such as which birds prefer enclosed spaces versus open nests.
- Learns about different types of natural materials and their suitability for nest building.
Students explore how materials like twigs, leaves, and feathers provide insulation and support for bird nests. They recognize which materials are soft, durable, and suitable for nesting.
- Gains awareness of sustainability and the importance of using fallen materials instead of plucking.
The activity instills an understanding of sustainable practices by encouraging students to use only naturally fallen materials, reducing harm to plants and animals.
- Understands the role of nests in supporting local wildlife and biodiversity.
Students learn how nests help birds find shelter in urban areas or deforested regions, supporting local ecosystems and encouraging biodiversity.
Attitude
- Develops empathy and responsibility towards birds and nature.
By creating a nest, students become more compassionate about wildlife, understanding how their actions can positively impact birds’ survival.
- Cultivates a sense of teamwork and cooperation.
Working in small groups fosters a sense of community, patience, and an appreciation for different perspectives and skills.
- Encourages patience and persistence in problem-solving.
Students may face challenges in designing a stable nest, but through trial and error, they learn to stay persistent and adjust their approach.
- Fosters curiosity and respect for the natural environment.
Observing birds, selecting materials, and engaging in hands-on creation deepen students’ appreciation and respect for nature’s complexity.
Behavior
- Actively participates in group discussions and decision-making.
Students engage in discussions about design, materials, and nest placement, ensuring everyone contributes to the final product.
- Engages in ethical material collection by using only fallen natural items.
They practice responsible environmental behavior by choosing sustainable materials instead of damaging plants.
- Shows enthusiasm in building and decorating the nest.
Expressing excitement and taking pride in their creation encourages ownership and enjoyment of the learning experience.
- Shares observations and reflections about the experience through drawings, storytelling, or verbal discussions.
Students consolidate their learning by discussing their nest-building experience, presenting their insights creatively.