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Build a Bird and Bee Bath

Elementary, Middle

Description

Habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use are contributing to sharp declines in global bird and bee populations.  To protect ecosystems and maintain biodiversity humans must become actively involved in reversing this trend.  This outdoor activity involves students in enhancing backyard habitats with clean water sources for local birds and bees by building bird baths from recycled materials.  This project engages pupils in caring for nature while demonstrating how young environmental citizens can make a difference in the future of our planet.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This activity complements Grade 3-6 Science lessons exploring habitat components, habitat loss, biodiversity and human impacts on the environment.  Students will also develop an understanding of how environmental stewardship supports sustainability.

The outline for this activity suggests installing the baths in local backyards but a class could also expand this project by creating a bird and bee garden on school grounds.  Community volunteers could assist with establishing flowering and seed producing native plants, constructing and erecting birdhouses, adding water sources and creating homemade bee "hotels".  Nature Conservancy Canada has plans for these hotels on their website.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Exploring connections strengthens our understandings of relationships to help us make meaning of the world.
  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
  • Manitoba
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Habitat and Communities
  • New Brunswick
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    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Our Local Environment : Learning and Living Sustainably
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Habitats
  • Northwest Territories
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    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Systems: Habitats & Communities
  • Nova Scotia
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: Habitats
  • Nunavut
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Systems: Habitats & Communities
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Habitats
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
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    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Habitats and Communities
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment

Themes Addressed

Citizenship (1)

  • General Guide to Taking Action

Ecosystems (2)

  • Biodiversity
  • Wildlife Protection