Bird Beaks (Grades K-2)

Why do different birds have different beaks? This activity looks at the reason!

Christina Catalfamo of Clarkson University takes kids on a journey with the birds as she examines why different birds have different beaks in this activity from the NY STEAM Bus! Click the picture below to watch the video.

What You Need

If you don’t have the materials that were used in the video for this week’s challenge, never fear! We have provided you with a list of alternatives that you can use. Get creative!

Click here to download your very own bird journal!

Materials and Alternatives for “Beaks”

Strong, pointed beaks

• Tweezers
• Clothespin
• Needle-nosed pliers

Slender beaks

• Plastic straw
• Plastic pipette
• Eye dropper
• Turkey baster

Spoon-like bills

• Slotted spoon
• Strainer

Long, thin beaks

• Chopsticks
• Sharpened pencils

• Craft Sticks

Materials and Alternatives for “Food”

Ground and Trees

• Plate
• A mix of the following:
  • Yarn worms
  • Cooked spaghetti
  • Rice
  • Nuts
  • Seeds

Water

• Bowl
• A mix of the following:
  • Foam “fish”
  • Packing peanuts
  • Grass clippings
  • Leaves
  • Whirlybirds

Flowers

• Glass or cup
• (Dyed) water

Visit https://www.nysteamb.us/summer-adventure to share what you found in this activity.