Bird Shelter STEM Challenge | Animal Habitats Engineering Design Activity | K–3

Bird Shelter STEM Challenge | Animal Habitats Engineering Design Activity | K–3 Science

Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade

Help students become engineers and nature helpers with this Bird Shelter STEM Challenge, a hands-on engineering design activity that teaches students how birds depend on safe shelters for survival.

In this low-prep STEM challenge, students plan, design, build, test, and improve a bird shelter using simple classroom or recycled materials. There is no single “right” answer — students are encouraged to problem-solve, think creatively, and explain their design choices.

This activity is perfect for K–3 classrooms, homeschool learning, indoor STEM days, early finishers, sub plans, Earth Day lessons, and nature-themed science units.

What’s Included

✔ Student-friendly STEM challenge overview

✔ Planning & design page with sketch space

✔ Build & test checklist

✔ Reflection page

✔ Suggested materials list

✔ Teacher notes and NGSS alignment

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Understand that birds need shelter to survive
• Practice engineering design thinking
• Use observation and problem-solving skills
• Communicate ideas through drawings and written reflection

NGSS Alignment

• K-LS1-1: Living things have different needs
• 2-LS4-1: Diversity of life in different habitats
• K–2 ETS1-1: Engineering design problem

Materials Needed

Only basic classroom or recycled materials such as paper, cardboard, tape, crayons, and optional nature items. No special supplies required.

Teacher Friendly Features

• Low-prep and easy to implement
• Works as a stand-alone STEM activity or part of a habitat unit
• Flexible for individual, partner, or small-group work
• Clear structure makes it accessible for early learners