Nest box numeracy program

Learning activities

What animals live in tree hollows? 

Students begin the session learning about tree hollows and their importance in providing Australian wildlife a place to shelter and to raise offspring. Students will then explore their school grounds recording and making observations on habitat features and any tree hollows they find.

Inquiry question

• How are environments and living things interdependent?

Nest box building

Working in groups of 3, students will apply their knowledge of mathematical concepts to assemble a nest box. The flat packed box represents a 3D fan. To assemble the box students manipulate the panels to create perpenticular lines and right angles to make a rectangular prism. 

Once the box is complete, students use tape measures to measure the box dimensions including height, width and depth.  A workbook will be provided to each student to record their findings. Students then research their nest box’s potential inhabitants and the best aspect for placement using a multi-modal book on iPad.  Students will share their findings with the class along with the habitat requirements of the species.

One constructed nest box will remain with the class to install in a suitable location. All other nest boxes will be deconstructed at the end of the session.

Schoolyard habitat hunt

As a class, students recall the habitat feaures of their school grounds to determine the most suitable location for their class nest box. After the incursion, student use their workbook to identify and record on a simple map the position of the class nest box.