Build a Nest STEM Challenge for Kids - Views From a Step Stool

Build a Nest STEM Challenge for Owl Babies

Pretending we were little owls we went out on a nature walk, and collected items that we thought a bird might like to use to build a nest. Twigs, feathers, leaves, dried grass, pine needles and evergreen branches all came home with us.

We used a round piece of tree trunk to as a base for our nest, just to give it a bit of stability.

The kids started with the dried grass and twigs to make a circular shape. Weaving in some feathers and leaves they made a comfortable, padded space for the birds and their eggs.

We really learned quite a lot about the intricacies of building a birds’ nest! Additionally, we are quite amazed at what these creatures are capable of, it was not the easiest of tasks!

This STEM activity discusses where different birds live, which items of the nest are heavier or lighter, and teach quite a bit about making a sound structure! There was also a lot of fine motor practice going on for those little fingers.

You can build your own bird’s nest for the Owl Babies in the book entirely out of items that you find on your walk. Or, you can purchase some of them like the feathers or fake moss. Glue the items together to make for a bird’s nest that will last. We chose to do this challenge over and over, taking the nests apart and trying new ways to make them. The kids wanted to find a nice place nestled inside of a tree to keep the nest, just in case any baby owls needed a new home

Original article and pictures take http://viewsfromastepstool.com/build-a-nest-stem/ site