Adaptations: Bird Beaks - Version 1

Over the years, I have encountered several different variations of this activities.  I think they all have merits, so look for me to share a few other versions in coming weeks.

 
This first version is the simplest, and the most appropriate for younger students.

 
Create a bucket of "bird food".  Into this bucket, dump all kinds of things - try to include a wide variety of shapes sizes and textures.  Some things you might want to include:
 
  • Sand
  • Oats
  • Rice
  • Marshmallows
  • Gummy Worms
  • Cereal
  • Pasta
  • Coconut
  • Small candies

 
 
 
Then provide each student with a beak tool.  Look around your house for ideas:
  • Tongs
  • Chopsticks
  • Eye droppers
  • Forks
  • Pliers
  • Tweezers
  • Toothpicks
  • Clothespins
 
 
 
 
 
Let the students go at the bucket of food with their respective beaks.  They should try to gather as much food as they can. 
 
After a set amount of time has passed, spend some time looking around to see which beaks were able to pick up which foods. 

 
Ask your students why the eye dropper beak wasn't able to pick up the oatmeal, and why the tongs weren't able to pick up the sand.

 
There are several nice worksheets out there to use as a follow-up to this activity.  You can find two here and here.