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Bird Beak Tools

Activity

Exploring How Birds Use Their Beaks for Survival

Search for tools or objects that can act like bird beaks! Pick up seeds or small objects using these “beaks” (be mindful not to hurt any insects or plants). Use different tools for different tasks—some might work better for picking up seeds, while others might be better for grabbing sticks or gripping small objects. Why do you think birds have evolved unique beaks? What can the tools you used tell us about how birds adapt, survive and thrive in different environments?
Orni 2
Orni 2 (3)
Orni 2 (2)

Science Seed

Birds have evolved different types of beaks to help them find and eat the food available in their habitat that they need to survive. For example, the sharp, hooked beaks of Red-tailed Hawks are perfect for tearing meat from small animals. Ducks, like the Mallard, have broad, flat beaks that help them filter plants and small creatures from the water. The long, curved beaks of Black-chinned Hummingbirds allow them to sip nectar from deep flowers. Each beak is designed for a specific purpose, making it perfectly suited to the bird’s diet and environment.
botany jar illustration

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Sanchez Elementary

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Sánchez Elementary School is close to downtown on Austin’s east side. Built in 1976, the campus boasts murals by Raul Valdez depicting the school’s Hispanic history and heritage. Sánchez was one of the district’s first to introduce two-way dual language education- fitting because the school’s namesake, George Sánchez, was a pioneer in bilingual education. This project was made possible by HEB.

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