Create a Bird

SUMMARY:	Combine knowledge about bird adaptations and bird biology to create your own bird in a 3-D project. This lesson is part of a series. Select this text to learn more about the series and how to extend its usefulness.
OBJECTIVES:	Students will learn what all bird's have in common as well as different bird adaptations.
SUBJECTS:	Science
GRADES:	1 - 5
LENGTH:	Quickie

Background: All birds share some distinguishable characteristics that make them birds. They all have feathers and beaks, are endothermic (meaning warm-blooded) animals and lay eggs. What separates them is the various adaptations that they have made to survive in their habitats. These adaptations are readily recognized in the size, shape, and function of the bills, feet, and wings.

Materials: Glue, scissors, tape, construction paper, string, craft feathers, cloth, and any other craft or recycled supplies that you can get.

How to:

1. Talk about what makes a bird a bird. Refer to the Introduction and Anatomy & Physiology sections of The Bird Site.
2. Divide the class in several groups. Each group's challenge is to design a bird to live in a particular environment. The bird must have feathers, wings, a beak, and feet. The groups can use whatever materials are available to construct their "birds."
3. When completed, each group should be able to present their bird: where it lives, what it eats, and how it flies; if it flies.