Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to build a scarecrow using only Earth Science-related materials.
Materials and Prep
- Old clothes
- Straw or hay
- Sticks or poles
- String or twine
- Scissors
- Optional: gardening gloves
Before starting the lesson, make sure you have all the materials ready and a safe workspace to work in.
Activities
- Find a suitable location in your garden or backyard to place the scarecrow.
- Gather the old clothes and stuff them with straw or hay to create the body of the scarecrow.
- Use sticks or poles to create the frame for the scarecrow's arms and legs.
- Attach the stuffed clothes to the frame using string or twine.
- Decorate the scarecrow's face with additional straw or hay to create hair and a hat.
- Place the scarecrow in the chosen location and secure it firmly to the ground using sticks or poles.
- Observe how the scarecrow interacts with its surroundings over time and make notes about any changes you notice.
Sixth Grade Talking Points
- "Scarecrows have been used for centuries to protect crops from birds and other animals."
- "Straw or hay is often used to stuff the scarecrow because it is easily accessible and represents natural materials found in the environment."
- "The frame made of sticks or poles provides a structure for the scarecrow and allows it to stand upright."
- "By securing the scarecrow to the ground, we ensure it remains stable and doesn't blow away in the wind."
- "Observing how the scarecrow interacts with its surroundings helps us understand its effectiveness in deterring animals from the crops."