Bird Beak Lab – Adaptations & Natural Selection Project – Fun Science Experiment

In this science lab, kids simulate bird beak adaptations. They pick up organisms, record number caught, organize data, and answer questions. It’s a fun and educational natural selection experiment!

Open the preview to take a closer look at parts of the project.

Bird Beak Lab

This seriously fun science experiment illustrates why certain animals survive better in specific ecosystems.

Kids encounter an “ecosystem.” (It’s really just a container with ten sets of ten small items that represent organisms.

In groups of four, they use utensils to simulate different bird beaks. Each child uses one “beak” (tweezers, chopsticks, binder clip, tongs, etc.) to lift as many items as possible from the “ecosystem.” (Materials are returned to the box after each turn.)

Results are organized in tables and graphs. Each child records all group data on a table. They organize their own data in a bar graph.

Finally, students answer questions regarding animal adaptations and natural selection.

Optional Exploration of Science Practices

To reinforce elements of experimental design, add these activities to your bird beak lab.

First, discuss the fair test. A page of talking points will help you explain independent, controlled, and dependent variables, as well as the importance of measurement. Three anchor charts provide support.

Second, ask students to list steps in the scientific method on a lab sheet. They will fill in the question, hypothesis, independent variable (variable), controlled variables (controls or constants), dependent variables (results), and conclusion. Additionally, they’ll list measuring tools used in this experiment.

Third, a set of science discussion questions culminates the project. Since these questions are generic, you can use them for any experiment.

This bird beak lab requires a one-time set-up. After that, you can use the materials over and over – and even share with other classes.

• Look around your classroom and find items for the “ecosystem.” You’ll need ten sets of ten items.
• Each should have a different size, shape, and texture. Some, like the rubber band segments, could be related to a specific organism (worms!)
• Store the items in containers with lids. I used carry-out containers, but other teachers have used plastic bags, shoe boxes, etc.

Two options are included: printable and digital.

• PDF
• Easel Activities

Your third, fourth, or fifth grade students will love it – and you will too!

• This hands-on lab is active, engaging, and fun.
• Activities address the intent of your standards. For example, if you teach NGSS 3-LS4-2 and 3-LS4-3, your students will learn how variations in characteristics provide advantages in survival and certain organisms survive better in specific habitats (natural selection). For NGSS 4-LS1-1, kids explore how animals’ external structures function to support survival.
• Furthermore, you can tie in important science practices in the fair test, or scientific method.

Looking for more? Check out the bundle, which also includes a set of bird adaptation reading passages.

Enjoy teaching!

Brenda Kovich