Activity overview

Run the activity

In this activity, the italic sections marked with the polar bear explain how you can link the children's learning to the Climate Challenge, and support the children to take positive action.

1. Explain that working as a team, they will have 10 minutes to research (useful websites in Take it further), plan and look at the available materials. 

2. Then give them 5 minutes to draw their design.

3. Give them 20 minutes to create their bird feeder.

4. Survey the final creations and celebrate the diversity.

5. Follow guidance about where to hang your bird feeders.

Background science

When teaching children about the Climate Challenge, it is important that we give them the facts (age appropriately and sensitively). During your discussion, allow time for children to express their thoughts and feelings and have them validated.

By feeding birds all year round, you'll give them a better chance of survival if food shortages occur. However, in the spring and summer we need to remember that the food we provide may end up being fed to chicks. This means that we should not put out foods that they could choke on such as peanuts, large chunks of bread and other hard dry foods. In the colder months, birds need high energy food and fat balls are beneficial so that birds can manintain their fat reserves and keep warm. The RSPB offer more advice on safe bird food. It is important to check that the food is eaten and doesn't build up or become unhygienic. There are many ways to make a bird feeder, but whichever you choose, it helps birds if you stick to a routine of when you put out food, so they know when to visit. 

Take it further

After giving children the information they need about Climate Challenge issues, give them time to express how they feel, empathising with them and validating their feelings before taking it further. 

Activities

You might be surprised to learn what can be used to make a bird feeder: recycled plastic bottles, oranges, apples, yoghurt pots, or lego, tea cups.

If the class were to put their bird feeders out on the school grounds, where do they think would be the best place to put them? What would they need to take into consideration?

Children could record which birds visit the bird feeders and when they visit during the day. They could also investigate whether they all like the same food by filling different feeders with different bird foods. Chester Zoo has a helpful recording sheet. Children could watch this BBC video looking at what urban birds eat. 

The RSPB also has some creative fun activities for children.

Explorify activities - our recommendations

Learn about an ornithologist in Who is Mya-Rose Craig? or how people have helped endangered birds in Flying high.

Discuss with the children what could be done to help and if there is a positive action they can take themselves. Explain that when lots of people carry out small positive changes, it can have a big impact overall.

Positive action

Children can take part in the RSPB Schools' Birdwatch. This could be the first step towards children achieving a Bronze, Silver or Gold Wild Challenge Award.