Nest for Sale

SUMMARY:	Learn about different nest's shape and size and see for yourself how hard it is to make a nest using only the materials that birds use. This lesson is part of a series. Select this text to learn more about the series and how to extend its usefulness.
OBJECTIVES:	Learn about nest constriction, shape and size.
SUBJECTS:	Science, Language Arts and Art
GRADES:	4 - 7
LENGTH:	Series

Background: No two nests are the same. Placement, design, materials used, size, and shape vary greatly from species to species. Nests are important in protecting the eggs and young from predators and extreme temperatures.

Materials: Twigs, grass, string, cotton, leaves, and real estate ads from the paper.

How to:

1. Read an assortment of real estate ad descriptions from the paper to the class. Discuss the words that are used to paint a sellable picture of the house.
2. Have the students work in teams to create a nest of their own with the provided materials. The nest must keep the eggs safe and at a comfortable temperature.
3. At the end have the students write up a real estate description of their nest to advertise the qualities of the nest that would be useful to its inhabitant. Students can present their designs and ads to the class.