4th Grade
Project
4 weeks
"Birdhouse Builders: Creating Avian Abodes"
1-pager
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to engage 4th-grade students in a hands-on learning experience that combines scientific research, artistic creativity, and community involvement. By designing and constructing birdhouses tailored to local bird species, students deepen their understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity. Through collaboration with artists and wildlife experts, students enhance their skills in art and environmental science, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship for their local environment. This project encourages students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways, creating functional and aesthetically pleasing birdhouses that contribute to local conservation efforts.
Learning goals
Students will develop research skills by investigating local bird species, their habitats, and nesting needs, enhancing their ability to analyze and synthesize information. They will apply principles of art and design, including symmetry, to create functional and visually appealing birdhouses, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Through collaboration with community partners, students will gain insights into bird conservation and environmental stewardship, deepening their understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity. Additionally, students will enhance their communication skills by presenting their work and engaging in discussions about their designs and the importance of supporting local wildlife.
Standards
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.7: Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
- Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.G.A.3: Recognize a line of symmetry for a two-dimensional figure as a line across the figure such that the figure can be folded along the line into matching parts.
- NGSS - 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
Products
Students will collaboratively construct birdhouses that incorporate artistic elements and symmetry, tailored to the needs of local bird species. Each birdhouse will feature educational components, such as QR codes linking to student-created videos or presentations about the birds' habitats. Additionally, students will contribute to a campus art installation, visually narrating the diversity of local bird species and their ecological significance.
Launch
Kick off the project with a 'Birdhouse Bonanza' scavenger hunt at the CAW CAW bird sanctuary, where students will identify various bird species and observe their nesting habits. This immersive experience will ignite curiosity and provide a real-world context for the project. Students will take notes and photographs, which they will later use to inform their birdhouse designs and research.
Exhibition
Invite community members to a 'Bird Habitat Festival' on campus, where students will guide tours showcasing their birdhouses. Students will share insights about local bird species, their nesting habits, and conservation efforts, providing an interactive experience for visitors. The festival will include informational booths, student-led presentations, and opportunities for guests to learn about the environmental impact of the project.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Birdhouse Bonanza Launch - Begin the project with a scavenger hunt at the CAW CAW bird sanctuary, where students explore and identify various bird species and their nesting habits, documenting observations in a nature journal to spark curiosity and set the stage for research (45 min)
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Bird Research Introduction - Introduce students to the concept of researching local bird species by reviewing their nature journal entries and discussing bird characteristics relevant to designing birdhouses (20 min)
Bird Research Groups - Form research groups and assign each group a local bird species to investigate, focusing on habitat needs and nesting behaviors (25 min)
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Research Skills Workshop - Teach students how to use books and online resources to gather information about their assigned bird species, focusing on identifying reliable sources (20 min)
Research Compilation - Begin compiling research findings in group journals, emphasizing the specific nesting needs and behaviors of the species (25 min)
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Design Principles Introduction - Introduce basic art and design principles, including symmetry, that students will incorporate into their birdhouse designs (15 min)
Symmetry Exploration - Engage students in a hands-on activity to identify and draw lines of symmetry on various shapes and objects, preparing for birdhouse design (30 min)
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Virtual Tour and Q&A - Participate in a virtual tour and Q&A session with a nearby wildlife rehabilitation center to learn about bird conservation and the importance of their project (25 min)
Reflection and Discussion - Reflect on the virtual tour experience and discuss how conservation efforts can inform birdhouse design choices (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed 'Bird Profile' worksheets for three local bird species.
2. Nature journal entries documenting observations from the scavenger hunt, including sketches and notes on bird species and habitats. |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange transportation and permissions for the 'Birdhouse Bonanza' scavenger hunt at the CAW CAW bird sanctuary.
2. Gather research materials such as books, articles, and access to online resources about local bird species. 3. Provide each student with a nature journal, binoculars, and a 'Bird Profile' worksheet template. 4. Coordinate with CAW CAW bird sanctuary staff to ensure a guided and educational experience. 5. Prepare a lesson on birdwatching techniques and how to effectively use binoculars and document observations. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Bird Species Research - Students conduct research on local bird species using books and online resources to gather information about their nesting habits and environmental needs (45 min)
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Design Blueprint Creation - Students draft blueprints of their birdhouse designs, incorporating research findings and symmetry principles learned in math class (45 min)
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Virtual Wildlife Center Tour - Students participate in a virtual tour and Q&A with a nearby wildlife rehabilitation center to gain insights into bird conservation efforts (45 min)
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Artistic Design Workshop - A local artist guides students in incorporating artistic elements and symmetry into their birdhouse designs, enhancing creativity and understanding of art concepts (45 min)
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Wood Plaque Design - Students begin crafting wood plaques that will accompany their birdhouses, detailing researched information about their chosen bird species (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A completed research report on the chosen local bird species, detailing its nesting needs and habitat requirements.
2. A sketch of the birdhouse design, incorporating symmetry and artistic elements learned from the artist workshop. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather research materials such as books, articles, and access to online resources about local birds.
2. Coordinate with the wildlife rehabilitation center to schedule the virtual tour and prepare a list of guiding questions for the students. 3. Arrange a session with a local artist who can provide feedback and guidance on birdhouse design and symmetry in art. 4. Prepare materials for birdhouse sketches, including sketch paper, pencils, rulers, and symmetry tools. 5. Ensure availability of prototype materials such as cardboard, tape, and scissors for initial birdhouse models. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Birdhouse Construction - Begin assembling the basic structure of the birdhouses using wood and other materials, focusing on the dimensions and features needed for the assigned bird species (45 min)
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Construction Continued - Complete the assembly of the birdhouses, ensuring stability and functionality for the bird species, with guidance from the teacher on safe use of tools (45 min)
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Artistic Painting - Collaborate with a local artist to paint the birdhouses, incorporating symmetry and artistic design elements discussed in previous lessons (45 min)
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Plaque Finalization - Finish crafting and decorating the wood plaques with researched information about the bird species, ensuring clarity and creativity (45 min)
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Peer Review and Feedback - Present completed birdhouses and plaques to peers for review, providing and receiving constructive feedback to enhance final products (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed and painted birdhouses ready for installation.
2. Draft of the wood plaque text and design, which will accompany each birdhouse. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather and distribute all necessary painting materials, including brushes, paints, and protective smocks.
2. Prepare digital devices and ensure a stable internet connection for the virtual Q&A session with the wildlife rehabilitation center. 3. Provide templates or guidelines for writing and designing the wood plaques. 4. Coordinate with the art teacher and local artist to ensure alignment in the art activities and access to additional resources if necessary. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Exhibition Preparation - Organize the birdhouses and plaques for display, ensuring each is labeled with the student's name and bird species (15 min)
Guided Tour Practice - Students rehearse presenting their birdhouse projects and explaining their research findings to peers, focusing on clarity and engagement (30 min)
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Community Engagement Session - Students participate in a virtual meeting with a local bird enthusiast to discuss the impact of their birdhouses on local bird populations (20 min)
Interactive Learning Stations Setup - Create stations with interactive activities related to bird conservation and artistic design for visitors at the Bird Habitat Festival (25 min)
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Final Touch-ups - Inspect birdhouses and plaques for any needed adjustments or improvements, ensuring high quality for the exhibition (20 min)
Exhibition Role Assignment - Assign specific roles to students for the Bird Habitat Festival, such as guides, station managers, and greeters (25 min)
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Dress Rehearsal - Conduct a full run-through of the Bird Habitat Festival, allowing students to practice their roles and presentations with peers acting as visitors (45 min)
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Bird Habitat Festival - Host the community event on campus, where students present their birdhouses and plaques, share their research, and engage with visitors at interactive stations (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed birdhouse featuring artistic design and symmetry
2. Informative wood plaque accompanying the birdhouse 3. Rehearsed presentation for the Bird Habitat Festival |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather paint, brushes, and other art supplies for birdhouse decoration
2. Prepare wooden plaques and writing materials for students to craft their informational pieces 3. Set up rehearsal space with mock stations mimicking the Bird Habitat Festival layout 4. Coordinate with the local artist for final walkthrough and assistance with painting |
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