Kindergarten Students Learn About Habitats Through Interdisciplinary Bird Nest Challenge

The students built their own bird nests in a nature-based design challenge centered around animals and how they live. 
Using leaves, twigs, feathers and other items collected in the Lower School Outdoor Classroom, St. Margaret’s kindergarten students built their own bird nests in a nature-based design challenge centered around animals and how they live. 
 
The interdisciplinary lesson was led by Lower School K-1 science teacher Erin Moore and Lower School STEAM teacher Laura Redman. The students used a science block session to learn more about nests and how and why birds make them for their eggs. They then went to the Lower School Outdoor Classroom and collected items to build their own nest, afterwards drawing their plans and labeling them on a sheet of paper.
 
Their bird nest creation had a challenging element to it—can they build a nest that can hold two plastic eggs in place, and withstand weather? The teachers tested the nests by blowing on them, and students could adjust their creations to make sure it could handle the windy conditions.
 
“We talked as a class about the fact that birds change their environment to meet their needs,” Mrs. Moore said. “That will allow for transition into talking about other animals that do the same thing.”
 
Kindergarten and grade 1 students have an expanded science block beginning this year, with most lessons taking place in the Lower School Outdoor Classroom.
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An Independent Preschool Through Grade 12 College-Preparatory Day School in Orange County California

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