Creating Bird Feeders

Overview

This 40-minute lesson introduces Year 2 students to the concept of innovation and conservation through designing and making their own bird feeders. The activity aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh Technology achievement objectives in Phase 1 and integrates key competencies developing thinking, managing self, and relating to others. Students will explore materials and processes for constructing sustainable solutions that help conserve and care for native birds, linking to environmental conservation.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand the purpose of bird feeders in supporting conservation of native birds in New Zealand.
• Demonstrate the use of simple materials safely to make a bird feeder.
• Explore innovation by designing an individual bird feeder with creative shapes or decorations.
• Work collaboratively and share ideas during the making process.

Aligned with NZ Curriculum:

• Technology Phase 1: Technological Practice
• Planning for Practice: "Explore and use brief ideas to create simple outcomes"
• Developing Outcomes: "Select and safely use appropriate materials and components"
• Technology Phase 1: Technological Knowledge
• "Understand characteristics of materials and components"
• Key Competencies:
• Thinking (problem solving and creativity)
• Managing Self (staying focused and using tools safely)
• Relating to Others (sharing and cooperating in groups)

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Equipment and Resources

• Bird seed
• Gelatin powder
• Boiling water (prepared by teacher)
• Cookie cutters or silicone moulds (various shapes)
• Spoons and mixing bowls
• String or thread (for hanging feeders)
• Needles or paper punches (for threading holes)
• Craft mats or parchment paper
• Chart paper and markers for brainstorming ideas

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Context (5 minutes)

• Begin with a brief discussion about native birds and the importance of providing food through bird feeders to help them, linking to conservation.
• Show images or briefly mention a New Zealand native bird and how bird feeders support their survival.
• Introduce the idea of innovation — how people can design different bird feeders based on what birds like and what materials are available.

2. Planning & Designing (7 minutes)

• Brainstorm simple shapes and decoration ideas for bird feeders on chart paper (hearts, stars, native leaf shapes, etc.).
• Students pick or sketch their favourite shape using cookie cutters or molds available.
• Discuss what materials are needed and how to use them safely.

3. Making Bird Feeders (20 minutes)

• Demonstrate mixing gelatin with boiling water (prepared by teacher) and adding bird seed to form a sticky mixture.
• Students scoop the mixture into their chosen moulds, pressing firmly to pack the seed tightly.
• Show how to create a hole for threading string either using a needle or by punching before mixture hardens.
• Place finished moulds on craft mats to set (can be refrigerated by teacher if possible).
• Encourage creativity in decorating the string or shapes as time permits.

4. Reflection & Wrap-Up (8 minutes)

• Hang the bird feeders outside or in the school garden, where birds can come.
• Reflect with students on what they learned about conservation and innovation.
• Ask students how their design helped native birds and what they might do differently next time.
• Reinforce safety and care in using materials and tools.

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Assessment

Assessment will be formative through observation of:

• Students’ ability to plan and select a shape and materials independently.
• Safe and responsible use of materials and tools.
• Participation in group brainstorming and sharing ideas.
• Completed bird feeder outcome showing understanding of materials and process.

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Extension Ideas

• Encourage students to observe and record which birds visit their feeders over the next few days.
• Introduce simple digital photography or drawing to document bird feeder use and bird species seen.
• Link to science by learning about native bird habitats and what they eat besides seeds.

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This lesson harnesses creativity and problem-solving by having students create a real-world technological outcome supporting environmental conservation, perfectly aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Phase 1 objectives. It is hands-on, collaborative, and meaningful and introduces young students to technology’s role in sustainability in a tangible way.