Preview Only

Adaptations and the EnvironmentActivity for Kids

Seed Grasping Challenge DIY

Duration: 30-60 min
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $0 to $5

Test different ways to grasp seeds, to model the adaptations of bird beaks!

Visit The Full Lesson Download Instructions as PDF

Material List

1Grilling or salad tongs
1Medium-sized tweezers
1Needle-nosed tweezers
1Handful of peanuts still in the shell
1Handful of sunflower seeds still in the shell
1Handful of sesame seeds
Warning:If peanut allergies are a concern, replace with almonds, chocolate, or gummy bears.

Instructions

1Place each different type of seed in a pile on your workspace.
2First, try to pick up the peanuts with each of the different tools. Which one works best?
3Repeat this for the sunflower seeds. Which works best?
4Do it one more time for the sesame seeds. Which works best?
5Which type of bird beak do you think each of these tools represents?

Create A Free Account To Unlock All Content!

Get Full Access

Become A Member To Get Full Access!

Plans & Pricing

How It Works

Different types of birds have adaptations to be able to eat certain types of food. Birds that eat large foods, such as small animals, have big, powerful beaks. This is represented by the tongs. Birds that eat medium-sized seeds, such as sunflower seeds, have medium-sized beaks, like the tweezers. Some birds eat tiny seeds, which are represented by the needle-nosed tweezers.