4th Grade  Project 4 weeks

"Birdhouse Builders: Creating Avian Abodes"

Chelsea S
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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.