UK WILDLIFE: UK birds – investigate which foods different birds eat
An activity which asks learners to explore the feeding preferences of local garden birds.
By providing a variety of bird food types such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, or fruit, children can observe which foods are most popular among different bird species. The activity not only supports bird conservation by encouraging feeding birds throughout the year but also introduces children to basic maths and scientific methods, such as tallying and creating graphs based on their observations.
This hands-on investigation helps students develop observation and analytical skills while fostering a connection to nature. By monitoring the types of birds visiting different feeders and recording data over time, learners gain insights into how different species prefer certain foods, and how factors such as location and seasonality can affect feeding behaviour.
Learning Outcomes:
-
Learn how to conduct a basic scientific investigation into bird feeding habits.
-
Understand the feeding preferences of different bird species and the importance of feeding garden birds year-round.
-
Develop skills in data collection, analysis, and graph creation.
Curriculum Links:
-
Science: Animal behaviour, ecosystems, and data collection.
-
Maths: Recording and analysing data, percentages, and graphing.
-
Citizenship: Environmental responsibility and wildlife conservation.