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Scarecrow Science: Farming's Friends!

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Lesson Plan

Scarecrow Science: Farming's Friends!

Students will be able to explain how scarecrows work and identify various methods farmers use to protect crops from animals, fostering an understanding of agricultural challenges and solutions.

Understanding scarecrows helps students connect with how food is grown and the clever ways farmers use science and design to solve problems, ensuring we have healthy food to eat.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Hands-on exploration, discussion, and design challenge.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Scarecrow Science Slides, Scarecrow Design Worksheet, Scarecrow STEM Challenge Activity, and Construction paper, craft sticks, pipe cleaners, fabric scraps, glue, scissors (for activity)

Prep

Gather Materials & Review

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's a Scarecrow?

10 minutes

  • Display a picture of a scarecrow (first slide of Scarecrow Science Slides).
    - Ask students: "What do you see? What do you think its job is?"
    - Facilitate a brief class discussion, noting initial ideas on the board.
    - Introduce the lesson: "Today, we're going to become 'Scarecrow Scientists' to discover the amazing science behind these farm guardians!"

Step 2

Scarecrow Science Presentation

15 minutes

  • Use the Scarecrow Science Slides to guide the discussion.
    - Slide 2: What is a Scarecrow?: Discuss their purpose and where we see them.
    - Slide 3: How Do They Work?: Explain how sight (human-like form, bright colors) and sound (rustling, bells) deter animals.
    - Slide 4: Beyond Scarecrows: Introduce other methods like netting, fences, loud noises, and natural predators.
    - Slide 5: The Science Connection: Briefly explain observation, design, and problem-solving.
    - Encourage questions throughout and connect to students' prior knowledge.

Step 3

Worksheet: Design Your Own Scarecrow

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Scarecrow Design Worksheet.
    - Explain the task: Students will design their own scarecrow, thinking about what features would make it effective against animals.
    - Circulate and assist students, prompting them to think about materials, colors, and sounds. Encourage creativity and scientific reasoning.

Step 4

Activity: Build a Mini-Scarecrow (STEM Challenge)

15 minutes

  • Introduce the Scarecrow STEM Challenge Activity.
    - Divide students into small groups or have them work individually.
    - Provide materials (construction paper, craft sticks, pipe cleaners, fabric scraps, glue, scissors).
    - Instruct students to build a mini-scarecrow based on their design or a new design idea, focusing on features that would deter birds.
    - Emphasize collaboration and creative problem-solving.

Step 5

Cool-Down: Share & Reflect

5 minutes

  • Have a few students share their scarecrow designs or mini-scarecrows and explain their choices.
    - Ask: "What was one new thing you learned about scarecrows or protecting crops today?"
    - Conclude by reiterating the importance of science and design in farming.
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Slide Deck

What's this? What's its job?

(Image of a classic scarecrow in a field)

  • What do you see?
  • What do you think its job is?
  • Have you ever seen one before?

Greet students and start with an intriguing image to spark curiosity. Ask open-ended questions to activate prior knowledge.

What is a Scarecrow?

A guardian of the farm!

  • Purpose: To scare away birds and other animals that might eat crops.
  • Farmers work hard to grow our food, and scarecrows help protect it!

Define what a scarecrow is and its main purpose. Connect it to farmers and protecting food.

How Do They Work?

It's all about tricking animals!

1. Sight:

  • Human-like shape: Animals think it's a person.
  • Bright colors & movement: Clothes that flap in the wind, shiny objects.

2. Sound:

  • Rustling clothes: The sound can startle animals.
  • Bells or noisemakers: Some scarecrows have things that jingle or bang.

Explain the science behind how scarecrows deter animals, focusing on sight and sound. Use simple language.

Beyond Scarecrows

Farmers have other tricks too!

  • Netting: Covers crops to keep birds out.
  • Fences: Keeps out larger animals like deer or rabbits.
  • Loud noises: Machines that make sudden sounds.
  • Shiny reflective tape: Dazzles and confuses birds.
  • Even natural predators: Sometimes farmers encourage birds of prey!

Broaden the discussion beyond traditional scarecrows. Introduce other modern and traditional methods of crop protection.

The Science Connection

Scarecrows are like a science project!

  • Observation: Farmers watch to see what animals are a problem.
  • Design: They think about what will scare those animals.
  • Problem-Solving: They try different ideas until they find what works best!

This is all part of science and engineering in agriculture!

Summarize the scientific principles involved in designing and implementing crop protection strategies.

Time to Design!

Now it's your turn to be a Scarecrow Scientist!

  • How would you design a scarecrow?
  • What features would make it super scary or super effective?

Get ready to put your science brains to work!

Transition to the activity and worksheet. Encourage students to think like scientists and designers.

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Worksheet

Scarecrow Design Worksheet

Name: ____________________________

Part 1: Observe & Identify

Imagine you are a farmer. You notice birds are eating your delicious corn! What are some things you observe about the birds or their behavior?





What kind of animal are you trying to scare away?


Part 2: Design Your Scarecrow!

It's time to design a brand new, super-effective scarecrow to protect your crops! Think about the science of how scarecrows work (sight, sound, movement).

  1. Draw your scarecrow here:
































  2. Describe your scarecrow's features:

    • What does it look like? (Sight) (Think colors, size, shape, scary details)





    • What sounds does it make? (Sound) (Think bells, rustling, other noises)





    • How does it move? (Movement) (Think about the wind, spinning parts)





    • What materials would you use?





Part 3: Explain Your Design

Why do you think your scarecrow design will be effective at scaring away the animals you identified in Part 1? Use scientific reasons!










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Activity

Scarecrow STEM Challenge: Build a Mini-Scarecrow!

Goal: Design and build a mini-scarecrow that could effectively scare away birds from a small garden.

Materials Provided:

  • Construction paper (various colors)
  • Craft sticks
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Fabric scraps
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Optional: string, small bells, aluminum foil pieces

Instructions:

  1. Review Your Design (or create a new one!): Look at your Scarecrow Design Worksheet or brainstorm new ideas. Think about what makes a scarecrow effective:

    • Sight: What colors? What shape? Does it look like a person or something scary?
    • Sound: Can it make noise when the wind blows?
    • Movement: Can parts of it move or flap?

  2. Plan Your Build: Before you start gluing, think about how you will use the materials to create your scarecrow. You can sketch your plan on a scrap piece of paper.

  3. Build Your Mini-Scarecrow:

    • Use craft sticks as the frame for your scarecrow.
    • Cut and shape construction paper or fabric scraps for clothing and a head.
    • Add details like eyes, a mouth, or hair.
    • Think about how to incorporate elements that make noise or move.

  4. Test and Evaluate:

    • Does your scarecrow stand up?
    • If you gently blow on it, do any parts move?
    • What animals do you think your scarecrow would be best at scaring away? Why?

Share & Explain:

Be ready to share your mini-scarecrow with the class and explain the science behind your design choices!

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Scarecrow Science: Farming's Friends! • Lenny Learning