Building Animal Nests

Animals such as birds and squirrels build nests in trees and bushes outdoors, but how do they choose where and how to build their nests? 

Driving Question

• How do animals choose how and where to build their nests?

Probing Questions

• What do you notice about animals outside of our school?
• How could an animal get shelter and stay safe in their environment?
• How might an animal make choices about where and how to build their nests?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

• Make a list of everything the class knows about animals around your school (ex. birds, squirrels, etc.), including predators. This can be added to as students continue learning and researching.
• Discuss why nests are the best habitat for some animals, and burrows are the best habitat for other animals. Have students work together to construct an argument and create posters on why animals should build nests instead of a burrow or vice versa.
• Go outside and gather materials to build a “nest” around your school. Have them also choose where they would build their nests. Students can create a nest out of their materials or draw it  and make a list of materials, as well as write about where they would build their nest and why.

Relevant Related Resources

Awesome Animal Homes | ReadWorks: An article on the different types of homes that animals make. 
Bird Nests | DK Find Out: A visual on how birds make their nests.
Building Bird Nests | NSTA: A book and activity on how birds make their nests.
Animal Homes | Time for Kids: An article and photos about different types of animal homes.