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Bird Beak Adaptations: Purpose
Bird Beak Adaptations: Purpose
Bird Beak Adaptations: Purpose
Name________________________________________ Date_____________
Directions: Describe how well each tool worked with each object in each test.
Object 1:
_________
Object 2:
_________
Object 3:
_________
Object 4:
_________
Object 1:
_________
Object 2:
_________
Object 3:
_________
Object 4:
_________
Name________________________________________ Date_____________
Directions: Describe how well each tool worked with each object in each test.
Object 1:
_________
Object 2:
_________
Object 3:
_________
Object 4:
_________
Object 1:
_________
Object 2:
_________
Object 3:
_________
Object 4:
_________
Name________________________________________ Date_____________
Analyze Data
1. Which tool worked well for the most tests? Why do you think this was so?
2. Which tool worked well for the fewest tests? Why do you think this was so?
5. Would you expect a fish-eating bird in Africa to have the same kind of beak as a
fish-eating bird in North America? Why or why not?
Draw Conclusions
What are some important characteristics of a successfully adapted bird beak?
Set-up and
ou may want students to reread the introduction to the nonfiction book
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procedures Adaptations before starting this exploration. It explains why birds have
different beaks.
The data sheets do not ask students to record predictions, but you may
want to have groups discuss or write their predictions on the back of
one sheet. After testing, groups can report to the whole class how their
predictions compared with actual results.
safety
Model safe techniques for using the tools, particularly for the puncture
and crush tests. Avoid objects that may send fragments flying when
crushed, such as walnuts.
Materials ffer a wide variety of tools and objects. Students may be able to bring
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many of these from home. Each group needs four tools and four objects.
Needle-nosed pliers are a good choice for modeling long, pointy beaks.
Clips intended for potato chip bags can represent broad, flat beaks.
Toothed hair clips can represent beaks that strain food from water.
Provide each group with two blank data sheets, for a total of four
data tables.
Each group may need 12 pieces of cereal and 12 sunflower seeds.
(Three tests require the objects, and each test is repeated for all four tools.)
Breadcrumbs or croutons are suitable alternatives.
extensions and
I nquiry Science: Let students propose other tests using the tools and objects
variations available. For example, some birds have to pick seeds out of an area of
pebbles. Students can test how well each tool can pick an object out of
a group.
Inquiry Science: Students can conduct further investigations with different
tools and objects, or with those used by other groups.
Literature: Read with students the Aesop’s Fable The Crow and the Water
Jar, in which a clever crow figures out how to get water out of a jar by
picking up pebbles and dropping them into the jar, raising the water level.
Other fables and children’s stories involve bird beaks as well.
Art/Writing: Invite students to draw a fictional bird with a beak adapted
for a specific purpose. Then have them write a short story about it.
Variation: Substitute a drinking cup for the shallow pan. Let students
explore whether any of the tools do not work because they are too
large for the cup or too short to reach the bottom. This may spark a
conversation about how beak size limits some birds’ activities.
Research: See Using the Internet in the Unit Guide for suggested websites
to extend the learning.
Name________________________________________ Date_____________
Directions: Describe how well each tool worked with each object in each test.
Object 1:
_________
Object 2:
_________
Object 3:
_________
Object 4:
_________
Object 1:
_________
Object 2:
_________
Object 3:
_________
Object 4:
_________
2. Which tool worked well for the fewest tests? Why do you think this was so?
Results will vary. Tools that must be held together by the user and those without the ability to grab
may not work well for most tests. Like bird beaks, some tools are suitable for specific tasks — the
cutting ability of scissors, for example — but not suitable for many other uses.
5. Would you expect a fish-eating bird in Africa to have the same kind of beak as a fish-eating
bird in North America? Why or why not?
Despite living in different continents, the two bird species would probably have similar beaks, since
they have a similar diet. But differences in their environments or prey might lead to subtle refinements.
Draw Conclusions
What are some important characteristics of a successfully adapted bird beak?
It depends on the bird species. A well-adapted bird beak should allow the bird to capture its food,
drink water, and defend itself. In some cases, the beak should be long and pointy, and in other cases it
should be wide and flat. Some birds need sharp beaks for tearing meat, while others need to be able to
scoop food out of the water. In most cases, though, successfully adapted beaks should be able to clamp
tightly, whether to grab objects or to use the beak for pecking or puncturing. Through the process of
adaptation, each species has developed a beak to meet its own needs.