Challenge 4: Help a Bird Out!
© 2019 Region 4 Education Service Center97
1
grade grade
STEMulating Design Challenges in Science, Grades K–2
Teacher Notes Teacher Notes
Key Question
How can we help meet the needs of a bird who has
lost their nest during a storm?
Student teams will design and build a nest. There is no right or wrong way
to build a nest and some nests will be more successful than others.
Students should have knowledge of the basic needs of living things
(TEKS K.9B), interdependence among living organisms (TEKS 1.9B and
C), and the physical characteristics of plants and animals (TEKS K.10B and
1.10A). They may believe that all birds live in nests when most birds do not.
Most birds only use their nests for protecting their eggs and baby birds,
but “live” in trees and bushes.
Challenge 4: Help a Bird Out!
Problem
Two things are certain in springtime: nesting birds
and storms. Birds use their nests to hold and protect
their eggs and baby birds. Strong winds and heavy
rains can knock nests, eggs, and baby birds out of
trees or completely destroy the nests.
Design Challenge
Wildlife rescue workers often provide nest-building
materials, and sometimes nests, for birds before and
after storms. As a team of wildlife rescue volunteers,
design and build a nest for a bird that is native to your
area. The nest should withstand wind and rain while
protecting eggs and baby birds.
Grade Grade 11
© 2019 Region 4 Education Service Center97
1
grade grade
STEMulating Design Challenges in Science, Grades K–2
Teacher Notes Teacher Notes
Key Question
How can we help meet the needs of a bird who has
lost their nest during a storm?
Student teams will design and build a nest. There is no right or wrong way
to build a nest and some nests will be more successful than others.
Students should have knowledge of the basic needs of living things
(TEKS K.9B), interdependence among living organisms (TEKS 1.9B and
C), and the physical characteristics of plants and animals (TEKS K.10B and
1.10A). They may believe that all birds live in nests when most birds do not.
Most birds only use their nests for protecting their eggs and baby birds,
but “live” in trees and bushes.
Challenge 4: Help a Bird Out!
Problem
Two things are certain in springtime: nesting birds
and storms. Birds use their nests to hold and protect
their eggs and baby birds. Strong winds and heavy
rains can knock nests, eggs, and baby birds out of
trees or completely destroy the nests.
Design Challenge
Wildlife rescue workers often provide nest-building
materials, and sometimes nests, for birds before and
after storms. As a team of wildlife rescue volunteers,
design and build a nest for a bird that is native to your
area. The nest should withstand wind and rain while
protecting eggs and baby birds.
Grade Grade 11
