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.

a teacher sitting at a table with binoculars on it pointing at a statue of a bird, specifically the bird's beak

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.