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PLASTIC BOTTLE BIRDFEEDER

Introduction to concepts such as building, using tools, and following a plan.

Materials

• 2-liter plastic bottle
• Twine or wire
• 1 set of chopsticks
• Scissors/knife
• Duct tape
• Funnel
• Birdseed

Directions

1. Ask your child to help you divide the materials into parts and tools, making sure that only you handle the scissors/knife. Then, wash the bottle to remove all labels. Dry it with a towel.
2. Turn the bottle over. Ask your child which tool you should use to cut or poke two small holes in the bottom of the bottle (scissors/knife). Throughout the activity, make sure your child is a safe distance away every time you cut the holes. When done, thread twine or wire through one hole and out the other. Loosely tie the twine or wire together to make a loop for hanging. The bottom of the bottle will become the top of the feeder.
3. Cut or poke two holes on opposite sides of the bottle, three inches from the bottle cap. Make the holes just large enough for a chopstick to fit through. Ask your child which part should go through the holes (chopstick). Insert the chopstick; this will serve as a perch for the birds to sit on.
4. Cut or poke one-third-inch holes two inches above the perch. This is where the birds will get the seed.
5. Turn the bottle right-side up. Unscrew the cap and fill half the bottle with birdseed. Replace the cap.
6. Turn the bottle over. Tie the twine or wire around a tree limb or hang outside a window. Watch the birds that come to your feeder.

Questions to Think About

• Look at other bird feeders. How are they different from or the same as yours?
• What would happen if you made the feeding holes bigger?