In correspondence with our Lower School theme (North Carolina), Sky Class worked to study local birds and bird feeders in Design and Engineering. Natalie helped us use the Right Question Institute's framework to come up with questions we had about birds, birding, and bird feeders. We then compiled these questions and brought in a panel of experts. These experts helped answer our questions and share their experiences with birds both in North Carolina and in other parts of the world! We also welcomed Kari Wauk, an ornithologist who helped us set up experimental bird feeders on our windows. We made predictions about what birds might come to the different feeders based on the type of food that was in each feeder. We watched the birds all winter long, collected data, and are now experts in identifying the a variety of birds that migrate to our area and their food preferences. We concluded our bird unit by creating our very own bird feeders. We used household materials such as milk cartons and boxes to design and create feeders that would attract birds and be practical for our birds to use. Unfortunately, the evening after we put our bird feeders outside a rainstorm came and destroyed many of our feeders. This was sad to see but all part of the learning process! We will continue to watch the birds through the beginning of April!
