Pine Cone Bird Feeder

• Framework: IPC
• Unit: Flowers and Plants
• Learning area: General

Materials

• Large, open pine cones
• Vegetable shortening or peanut butter
• Cornmeal or uncooked oats
• Bird seeds
• String
• Zip lock bags

Instructions

Begin by discussing birds and their role in the garden ecosystem. Explain that birds help plants by eating pests and spreading seeds. Tell children they will create special feeders to invite birds to visit.

Prepare the coating mixture by combining half a cup of vegetable shortening or peanut butter with two and a half cups of cornmeal or uncooked oats and a generous amount of bird seeds. Pre-tie string securely to each pine cone.

Demonstrate how to press the mixture into the spaces between pine cone scales, ensuring good coverage. Guide children to coat their pine cones thoroughly, using fingers or plastic spoons.

If possible, hang some feeders on trees within school grounds and establish a quiet observation routine. Otherwise, place feeders carefully in zip lock bags for children to take home. Over subsequent days, facilitate discussions where children share their observations about bird visitors, what birds they saw, and how the birds used the feeders.

Assessment

Observe each child's active participation in creating their bird feeder and their engagement in discussing observations.

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