1. Halloween Crossword
Some new birds have visited your bird feeder! But, wait, a cowboy, an astronaut, and a witch? What kind of birds are these? It’s up to you and your fledgling bird watchers to see through their disguises and determine who they really are!
Examine the birds’ distinctive colors and plumage to identify who is behind the mask. Once you’ve filled out all of the birds’ species, use the letters in the highlighted squares to unscramble the answer to the joke. Then congratulations, you’ve solved the case and proved that you’re no chicken in the face of a challenge!
Download the Halloween Crossword here.
Need a hint? All of the birds appear in this bird species PDF download but you’ll have to figure out which ones!
Download the Halloween Crossword Answer Key here.
2. Mini Bird-Themed Lessons
Halloween is a fun-filled holiday that always gets kids excited. What better time to use that enthusiasm than to introduce some engaging (and relevant) activities! Depending on what your students are studying, there’s a way to spread the holiday fun and teach important concepts with birds. These two lessons are great companion activities with the crossword puzzle above!
Math
Explore math concepts where birds hold the answers! And, of course, with a Halloween twist.
Instructions:
Print out this PDF of 20 unique bird cards. Cut out each individual card along the dotted line to create a ‘deck’ of bird cards. It is recommended that you print out 1 deck for every 5 students in the class. Ex: In a class of 20 students, print out 4 PDFs of bird cards.
Put students in groups of 5 to share one deck of bird cards. Pass out the math worksheet and instruct students to use the bird cards provided to find the missing information in each math problem.
If there’s any need for additional clarity, use the math worksheet answer key.
Biology
Fill your classroom with junior biologists! Put on your critical thinking caps to explore the mysteries of species-specific traits.
Instructions:
Print out this PDF of 20 unique bird cards. Cut out each individual card along the dotted line to create a ‘deck’ of bird cards. It is recommended that you print out 1 deck for every 10 students in the class. Ex: In a class of 20 students, print out 4 PDFs of bird cards.
In groups of 5, students will examine a random set of 10 bird cards. The other 10 bird cards will go to another group of 5 students. They will have 5-10 minutes to write down their educated theories on the correlation of certain bird characteristics based on the cards they have. For example, theories could include:
- Lighter birds fly faster.
- Green birds have fewer eggs.
- The bigger the wingspan, the longer it lives.
When they’ve written down their theories, have the two groups switch cards. Both groups should have 10 new cards. Ask discussion questions such as:
- Are any of your theories still true?
- How did they change?
- Do you have any new theories?
Give students an opportunity to write down their new theories, then call the groups up to present their theories and how they changed with new information.
3. Pumpkin Carving
A classic Halloween activity that is appropriate for all ages! Combine this time-honored tradition with some bewitching birds by displaying them as your design.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep - Cover your workspace with material to catch any spills or messes. Newspaper or a garbage bag works perfectly!
Step 2: Cut off the top - Use a pen to draw where you plan to cut out the opening around the top (this activity is ideal for any eager young ones that are ready to help). The opening should be large enough that your hand can easily reach inside to scoop out the pumpkin seeds. Then carefully follow along the pen lines with a serrated knife to cut the top off of your pumpkin.
Step 3: Scoop out the seeds - Using a spoon, scoop out the insides of the pumpkin including the seeds and pulp. Deposit them in a bowl or garbage can as you work to keep your pumpkin carving area clear and clean.
Step 4: Design your pumpkin - Choose some enchanting images of birds (like some of the examples below) and carefully draw the design on your pumpkin with a pen.
Step 5: Cut out the design - Start from the center of your design and start carving out with a serrated knife. Go slowly and apply enough pressure to push through the pumpkin’s skin and then slowly saw back and forth along your design lines.
Step 6: Display your pumpkin - Congratulations! You have a new stunning decoration to celebrate Halloween. Show it off in front of your house or display it online for fellow birders to appreciate. Upload a picture of your creation to social media and tag us at #birdbuddy to spread more of that spook-tacular love of birds!
Enjoy some or all of these activities and have a safe and fun Halloween!
