Build a Bird's Nest STEM Challenge

Build a Bird’s Nest Challenge invites children to explore shapes and build a bird’s nest. While popsicle sticks are featured in the pictures on this post, children can use a variety of building materials to construct their nests. Below you will find a list of recommended materials although you may come up with your own building material possibilities.

Possible Building Materials

Keva Blocks
LEGO
Popsicle Sticks
Strips of Cardboard
Twigs and Sticks from Outdoors
Straws

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting the Challenge

Do I want my children to build a permanent nest or a temporary one?
Will the challenge cards be placed in a Maker’s Space or be part of a group lesson?
What supplies will I need to give my students if I want them to create a permanent nest?

Getting Ready to Build a Bird’s Nest

Step One

First, you will need to download the Build Nest challenge cards.

STEM Challenge Build a Bird’s Nest Download

Step Two

Second, you will need to decide what part of the set you will need to print out. The set includes B/W and color challenge cards. You can decide which set you want to use. It also includes pictures of baby birds and adult birds. You could print out the birds for students to place in their nests.

If you are going to give your children each a shape card to build a permanent nest, you may not need to laminate the cards. However cards that will be placed in a Maker’s Space, you will want to laminate them.

Step Three

Finally, you will need to gather the supplies your children are going to need. If you are adding the cards to your Maker’s Space, you may not need to gather supplies. Building permanent nests will require you to put out the supplies your children can select to build and connect the pieces of their nest.

Assessing the Nest Builds

You will need to decide what your children will need to have done to have a complete nest. Building a nest that features its assigned shape in the center of the nest and holds a specific number of birds can be all your children need to do. Permanent nests may need to stay together when you pick them up or be at a specific height.

You will need to decide what you want your children to accomplish and how you will know that they have completed your goals. Then you will need to decide how you will let them know that they have met your nest building requirements.