Explore: Bird Beaks

Page 302

Bird beaks introduction

Turn to pg. 302 in your Integrated Science bookThis is a investigative design activity so let’s

review investigative designYour investigative questions is:Suppose only one food source is available at a

time in an environment. Which of the four birds in the environment would be most likely to obtain food and survive?

A good investigation has:1. The investigation addresses the question being tested2. It tests only one factor or variable3. It keeps all other variables as constant as possible4. It has controls5. It contains multiple trials6. It is clear, concise and well planned7. It incorporates an organized method for recording data8. It is safe9. It provides evidence to support or refute your hypothesis or

leads to new questions.

Materials• Groups of 4 (each student

will have a particular type of “beak”)

• Lab Handout• Forceps• Toothpicks• Spoon• Clothespin• Marshmallows• Macaroni• Packing Peanuts• Large Beans• Water Tray• Cups

Water Bird Beaks

Land Bird Beaks

Bird Beaks

Food Types

Seeds

WormsWater

Beetle

Slug

Step 1: Design Experiment

Some things to check on in your design

1. All birds should feed at the same time with the same food

2. There should be a round of feeding for each food type.

3. You should have a way to keep track of how much food each bird captures

4. You must have a data table before you begin5. Make sure you have a way to keep your prey

from escaping to the floor

Test Beak to Food Efficiency

Test Food to Beak Efficiency

Drop Food in Cup & Record

Repeat at least 3 times!!

Repeat at least 3 times!!

Repeat at least 3 times!!

Cleanup

• Please cleanup• Save your worksheets for next time

Homework

Natural SelectionSpecialistPredator/prey RelationshipSimulationVariationAdvantageous (Beneficial) Characteristics