Our Flying Guests 2

Children assess the best location and food for bird tables and take action to fulfil their roles as hosts to urban birds.
Recommended Period for this Activity: Term 1 / Term 2

1. Food for Survival 
Review how animals survive by eating plants and/or other animals. Link to science concepts: food helps us stay warm, and some foods provide more energy than others.  

Have the children play the "Bird Food Game" (Downloadable Materials) in groups, identifying the right foods for their urban birds and explaining their choices. 

 

2. Choosing the Right Menu 
Discuss what types of food are ideal for bird tables. Children access the "Bird Table Menu" (Downloadable Materials) to compare their selections with the best options for birds in Malta. 

 

3. Planning the Bird Table 
Using the "Let’s Make a Bird Table guide" (Downloadable Materials), take the children outside to explore the school grounds. In groups, they decide on the best location for the bird table, using the Where Shall We Put It? Checklist as a guide. 

 

4. Setting Up the Bird Table 
Build the bird table and place it in the chosen location, ensuring it is safe and accessible for the birds. 


Resources & Equipment Needed

Bird table building materials:

  • 1 marine plywood board 30 x 21cm, about 2cm thick
  • 2 wooden strips 22cm long, about 2cm thick
  • 2 wooden strips 14cm long, about 2cm thick
  • 1 wooden broomstick, pointed at one end
  • 1 wooden block about 6 x 6 x 4cm, with round hole in the middle (to fit broomstick in)
  • Screws
  • Nails
  • Wood glue

OR

Pre-built bird table (These resources may be available from BirdLife Malta subject to yearly funding. Contact [email protected] to find out)

You can download these instructions in PDF by clicking here: Generate PDF

Downloadable Material

Activity Sheet_Our flying guests 2

PDF Document

Bird food game

PDF Document

Bird table menu

PDF Document

Let’s Make a Bird Table guide

PDF Document

Make sure to take photos of:
1. Children playing Bird Food Game
2. Children discussing bird food mix
3. Children setting up bird table
Activity Photos for Inspiration

Learning Outcomes & Curriculum Integration

Subjects

  • - Science
  • - Maths

Learning Outcomes

Science 

5.1.1 I can ask questions about the world around me.

5.1.7 I can apply scientific knowledge to practical situations.

5.2.1 I can list the seven characteristics of life and explain why each is essential (movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, nutrition).

5.2.4 I can name and give examples of the five different groups of vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians).

Maths

5.4.11 I can estimate, measure and compare lengths, masses, and, capacities.

5.4.14 I can suggest and use measuring equipment to estimate and/or measure length, mass and capacity.

Integration with Curriculum

Suggestions for teachers:

1. A STEAM activity could be integrated with Our Flying Guests 2 to design and construct the bird table. 

2. If there is not a suitable space for a birdtableon the school grounds, a shelf could be installed instead.