The Program Spring clothespins used as bird beaks help students explore the adaptability of birds' beaks to the different foods available. The bird beak model and bird picture books help identify the bird and its food-gathering techniques. Students learn in animal classification study that birds have certain characteristics and that all beaks and foods are not the same. Each group of three students is given a tray of a variety of bird food and simulated bird food. They use the different model beaks to experiment and determine what types of bird beak is more effective in picking up a particular shape and texture of food.
Research using library bird books helps to determine which bird, beak, and food goes together.
Students calculate the amount of bird food each beak model can pick up, then graph their results on an overhead projector. To add a more realistic element for water birds, water is added to the trays. Overall Value Students show they understand the different beak adaptations for the different food types when they report their observations to the teacher on a field trip.