Take-Home Activities
As part of MCM’s involvement in Year of Science 2009, we are offering thematic programs at the museum as well as activities families can do at home!
Month: September
Theme: Biodiversity and Conservation
Activity: Bird Observation
Bird Feeder and Observation
Supplies:
- String
- 1/2 Stale Bagel
- 1 Teaspoon of Peanut Butter
- 1 Teaspoon of Shortening
- Bird Seed
- Scissors
Directions:
Step 1: Cut a piece of string about 24″ long. (You can adjust this length depending on where you want to hang it.)Step 2: Have kids place the string on the ice cube and tell them to try to pick up the ice cube. They won’t be able to.
Step 2: Put one end of the string through the hole in the bagel and tie both ends together to make a large loop to hang up your bird feeder with.
Step 3: Mix together the peanut butter and the shortening. Spread this mixture onto the flat side of the bagel.
Step 4: Pour the bird seed onto a plate. Press the peanut butter/shortening side of the bagel into the bird seed.
Step 5: Hang this bagel bird feeder in a tree or anywhere outside and watch the birds make it disappear!
Wisconsin is home to hundreds of different kinds of birds, all with their unique color of feathers and bird call! Have a contest to see how many different kind of birds you can spot at your bird feeder — or how many you can hear!
Bet you can’t guess Wisconsin’s State Bird! It’s the robin and you’ll probably see plenty when you watch your new bird feeder.
April Activity: Pinwheel
May Activity: Recyclable Art
June Activity: Properties of Water
July Activity: Constellations
August Activity: Ice Experiments
