Function of Bird Beaks

Today in science class, we analyzed the differences between birds' beaks.  We took notice to the shape and size of the beaks to determine why we thought the beaks were shaped a certain way.  For our science experiment, students pretended they were birds.  They were given different instruments (beaks) to try to pick up different kinds of food.  The different beaks we used were tweezers, clothespins, eye droppers, and spoons. They had to use the different tools to pick up a variety of bird food: fake worms, spaghetti, plastic bugs, water, goldfish in water, and shells.  Students kept track of which tool was the easiest to use for picking up the different kinds of food.  To relate our experiment to our science unit, we will be discussing how humans have invented tools to mimic the function of a specific bird's beak.  For example, a human invention of a humming bird's beak, would be a straw.  The students have been making wonderful connections!