DIY Birdseed Decorations for a Festive and Feathered Yard
For a fun and educational spring activity, consider making peanut butter birdseed ornaments with children. This hands-on project not only teaches kids about birds' feeding habits but also connects them with nature.
To get started, gather the necessary materials: peanut butter (preferably natural, without additives), birdseed mix, cookie cutters or molds, string or twine for hanging, a shallow dish or plate for birdseed, and wax paper or parchment paper. You can soften the peanut butter if needed by stirring or microwaving briefly. Optionally, mix the peanut butter with a bit of cornmeal or flour to help firm up the ornaments.
Spread peanut butter inside cookie cutters placed on wax paper to shape the ornaments. Press birdseed firmly onto the peanut butter-covered side. Before the peanut butter hardens, press a piece of string or twine into the top of the ornament, forming a loop for hanging. Place the ornaments on wax paper and allow them to dry and harden for several hours or overnight.
This method is similar to using a pine cone coated in peanut butter and rolled in birdseed, then hung outdoors for birds, as described in a popular DIY pine cone bird feeder craft. Another simple variant is using empty toilet paper rolls covered in peanut butter and then rolled in birdseed, tied with string, and hung on trees.
Using peanut butter and birdseed ornaments is an excellent hands-on spring science activity because it encourages wildlife observation and connects children with nature. For a classroom-friendly project, you can prepare materials ahead and have students assemble their own ornaments, then observe local birds visiting over the weeks that follow.
If desired, you can also incorporate additional lessons on bird species identification, seed preferences, and seasonal bird behaviors. These ornaments are biodegradable and safe for wildlife, making them a perfect part of spring science lessons.
For a more comprehensive learning experience, you can use the 300+ page Spring STEM Project Pack, which includes various bird activities for kids, as well as exclusive content with a spring theme.
For those looking for a peanut-free option, there's another method available for making birdseed ornaments with gelatin, corn syrup, and birdseed. This recipe is kid-friendly and encourages children to measure, pour, and mix the ingredients. The birdseed is then mixed into the gelatin/corn syrup mixture and poured into molds. Once set, remove the molds and thread a piece of twine through the hole to make a hanger. Your bird feeder is ready to hang outside, preferably near other branches for the birds to rest while eating.
This activity combines nature study with a fun chemistry lesson, showing how much science surrounds us, even in the kitchen. Happy crafting!
- Apart from birdseed ornaments, consider fun and educational activities like arts and crafts, such as slime-making or using printables.
- For a hands-on STEM activity, kids can engage in play by observing and identifying various earth elements found in the garden.
- Encourage kids to explore chemistry in everyday life by discussing the science behind cooking, like combining ingredients in recipes for food and drink.
- Fashion-and-beauty can also be an interested topic for kids, teaching them about the chemistry behind various materials and textures.
- After the birdseed ornaments activity, introduce more art activities, like painting or drawing, which will help kids express their creativity while connecting with nature.
- As spring weather gets warmer, take the learning outside with hands-on activities like planting seeds or observing seasonal changes in the garden.
- To take the birdseed ornament project to the next level, involve kids in experiments by comparing different types of seeds or birds' preferences.
- You can also turn this activity into a project for the home and garden, teaching kids the importance of attracting wildlife to their surroundings.
- For a fun and creative twist, combine science and art by creating Earth Day art projects using natural materials found outside.
- To broaden the learning experience, incorporate hands-on STEM activities from various fields, like engineering and physics, in addition to chemistry and biology.
- As kids grow their knowledge and love for learning, encourage them to continue exploring science, arts, and nature in their daily lives.
