Scarecrow Science Lesson Plan
Scarecrow Science: Farming's Friends
Agricultural Engineering & Animal Behavior
Grade Level 3rd Grade
Duration
60 Minutes
Objective
Explain scarecrow mechanics and identify crop protection methods.
Approach
Hands-on exploration, discussion, and design challenge.
Why This Lesson?
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.
Preparation
- • Review Scarecrow Science Slides and practice the script (15 mins).
- • Print Scarecrow Design Worksheets for each student.
- • Gather STEM materials: construction paper, craft sticks, pipe cleaners, fabric scraps, glue, scissors.
- • Ensure whiteboard/projector is functional.
Materials Checklist
Projector/Display
Markers/Pens
Craft Sticks
Pipe Cleaners
Fabric Scraps
Glue & Scissors
Lesson Procedure
10'
Warm-Up: What's a Scarecrow?
- Display a picture of a scarecrow (Slide 1 of Scarecrow Science Slides).
- Ask: "What do you see? What do you think its job is?"
- Facilitate a brief class discussion, noting initial ideas on the board.
- Introduction: "Today, we're going to become 'Scarecrow Scientists' to discover the amazing science behind these farm guardians!"
15'
Scarecrow Science Presentation
- Use the slide deck to guide the discussion.
- Slide 2: Discuss purpose and common locations.
- Slide 3: Explain sight (human form, bright colors) and sound (rustling, bells).
- Slide 4: Introduce netting, fences, and natural predators.
- Slide 5: Connect to the scientific method (observation, design, problem-solving).
15'
Worksheet: Design Your Own Scarecrow
- Distribute the Scarecrow Design Worksheet.
- Task: Students design a scarecrow focusing on effective features.
- Circulate and prompt students: "How will this feature trick a bird's eyes? What sound will it make in the wind?"
15'
Activity: Build a Mini-Scarecrow (STEM Challenge)
- Introduce the Scarecrow STEM Challenge.
- Divide students into small groups or individual work.
- Provide materials and set the goal: build a physical model of their design.
- Focus on structural integrity (standing up) and functional features (flapping fabric, bells).
5'
Cool-Down: Share & Reflect
- Have students share their models and explain design choices.
- Reflection: "What was one new thing you learned about protecting crops today?"
- Reiterate the importance of science and engineering in farming.
Scarecrow Science Slides
Scarecrow Science
Farming's Amazing Guardians
Observation
Design
Engineering
What's this? What's its job?
?
What do you see in the field?
?
What do you think its job is?
?
Have you ever seen one before?
Teacher Note: Spark curiosity and activate prior knowledge.
A guardian of the farm!
The Purpose
To scare away birds and other animals that might eat crops before they can be harvested.
Our Food Source
Farmers work very hard to grow our food, and scarecrows help protect that hard work!
It's all about tricking animals!
1. Sight
- • Human-like shape: Animals think a person is standing there.
- • Bright colors: Flashy clothes stand out in the green field.
2. Sound
- • Movement: Clothes that flap and rustle in the wind.
- • Noisemakers: Bells or shiny objects that jingle or bang.
Farmers have other tricks too!
Netting
Covers crops to physically block birds.
Fences
Keeps out larger animals like deer or rabbits.
Loud Noises
Sudden sounds to startle intruders.
Reflective Tape
Confuses birds with flashes of light.
Predators
Encouraging owls or hawks to live nearby.
Design matters!
It's a Science Project!
Observation
Farmers watch to see what animals are the problem.
Design
They think about what will scare those animals.
Problem-Solving
They try different ideas until they find success!
Science & Engineering in Agriculture
Now it's YOUR turn to be a Scarecrow Scientist!
How would YOU design a scarecrow?
What features would make it super effective?
Get ready to design!
Scarecrow Design Worksheet
Scarecrow Design Lab
Name:
Date:
Farming Science Lab 101
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? (Be specific!)
Part 2: Design Your Scarecrow!
Think about the science of how scarecrows work (Sight, Sound, and Movement) to protect your crops.
Draw your scarecrow design here:
Sight (Look)
Sound (Noise)
Movement
Materials Used
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 based on animal behavior!
Scarecrow STEM Challenge Activity
STEM Challenge
Build a Mini-Scarecrow
AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
Our Goal
Design and build a mini-scarecrow that could effectively scare away birds from a small garden.
Build Time
15-20 Min
Provided Materials
Construction Paper
Craft Sticks
Pipe Cleaners
Fabric Scraps
Glue
Scissors
Small Bells (Optional)
Foil Pieces
The Engineering Process
1
Review Your Design
Look at your Scarecrow Design Worksheet. Remember your key features: Sight (shape/color), Sound (noise), and Movement (flapping parts).
2
Plan Your Build
Think before you glue! How will you use the craft sticks for a frame? How will you attach the clothing? Sketch a quick plan on the back of your worksheet.
3
Build Your Model
Start construction! Use the craft sticks as the skeleton. Cut fabric and paper for clothes. Add eyes and bells. Make sure your scarecrow is sturdy!
4
Test and Evaluate
Does it stand up on its own? If you gently blow on it, do any parts move or make noise? How would a bird react to your model?
Ready to Share?
Be prepared to explain the science behind your design choices to the class!
