Animal House Hunting

Or, a house is a home
wherever you find it.

1. Begin this lesson by discussing the idea of a home. Remind them that habitats consist of food, water, shelter and space that all species need in order to survive.

Have your students lived in one house or home all their life? How many have moved? What different types of homes do people live in? Do any students vacation in a specific place each summer?

Do birds live in specific places in the forest just like people do live in certain neighborhoods? Why might birds choose specific places in the forest or specific types of forest areas? What do they think a bird needs for a good home? What happens if their habitat is damaged or disappears?

See a sample lesson plan at http://ericir.syr.edu/Virtual/Lessons/Science/Biological/BIO0009.html

2. Try to bring in pictures of bird nests. Have students investigate what they think might make a good nest for a bird.

A lesson from Classroom Activities from Ranger Rick's NatureScope® on bird nests might be a good one to look at. A link to a "copycat" page to use with the lesson is included. Students find information about bird nests, try to locate the perfect location for a nest and try to use materials to create a nest. Lesson can be modified for primary or intermediate use.

Relate this activity to the types and locations of the Florida Scrub Jay's nests. What types of materials do the scrubs use to make a nest? Think about the scrub area and what types of materials are available to the scrub jay. (See the link to the Vegetation in the Scrub site and others about the scrub jay to help them see the types of plants and trees available.)

3. Read more about how birds build their nests at the House Plans page. http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/chf/pub/virtualbird/student/les5.html