Background
A bird does not have teeth. However, it does have a hard, pointy beak. Beaks come in all shapes and sizes. The shape of a bird's beak is a clue to what it eats and how it gathers its food. Since scientists theorize that birds do not have a good sense of smell or taste, they feel that birds generally find food by its color and shape.
Materials
- Worksheet I: "Match Beak to Use" [Solution]
- Worksheet II: "Match Bird to Beak" [Solution]
- Worksheet III: "Challenger: Match Beak to Food" [Solution]
Objectives
The student will be able to:
- identify beaks belonging to birds of prey and non-birds of prey
- determine the kinds of food a bird with a certain type of beak might eat
Procedures
- Take time to make sure that your students understand:
- the importance of the shapes of beaks
- how beaks are used based on their shape
- the differences between beaks belonging to birds of prey and non-birds of prey
- Allow students time to work through the Curvy Beaks worksheets. Note: the Curvy Beaks Challenger is designed for the upper grades.
- Once students are done, discuss the activity and clarify any questions.
