Activity

Aviary Architect

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Groups of two to four work collaboratively to engineer a birdhouse that will stay cool in the summer heat. Teams examine several different-colored roofs, testing the efficiency of each with a heat lamp. Then, groups sketch their ideas, construct their building, test their final design, and share the results with their peers.

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Instructional Ideas
  • Conduct the exercise as a whole-class demonstration; work through the steps, keep materials in an area pupils can observe, and answer questions using a grand conversation, journal entries, or blog post
  • Display finished products at the Open House
  • Offer the activity to families who request summer work
Classroom Considerations
  • Requires building materials and tools; ask families to donate what's needed 
  • May require additional adult supervision
Pros
  • Activity is available in a variety of languages
  • The resource includes a table for pupils to record notes and test results 
Cons
  • None