STEAM Challenge, Build a LEGO Bird Nest & Chick with Free Editable Google Slides Worksheets

STEAM activities help children grow in many ways, such as boosting communication, focus, creativity, and imagination. They also support emotional wellbeing while building essential developmental skills. That’s why this LEGO® Bird Nest & Chick Challenge is such a joy for young learners.

It’s a hands-on, play-based activity that blends creativity, engineering, and science. Using editable Google Slides worksheets and fun printable task cards, kids can design their own LEGO® nests and chicks perfect for K–5 classrooms or at-home learning!

Whether you're exploring spring themes, animal life cycles, or simply want to spark joyful learning, this STEAM challenge brings real-world thinking and imagination together in the most delightful way.

STEAM Challenge, Build a LEGO® Bird Nest & Chick with Free Editable Google Slides Worksheets!

STEAM Challenge, Build a LEGO® Bird Nest & Chick with Free Editable Google Slides Worksheets!

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Challenge: Can You Build a Nest That Stays Strong in the Wind and old chicks in it?

This playful and meaningful STEAM challenge invites children to become little engineers and nature explorers!

🌿 The objective:
Build a sturdy bird nest using LEGO® bricks that can safely hold a LEGO® egg or small ball. Then, test your nest by simulating wind with a fan or hairdryer. Can it stay balanced and strong? Afterward, create an adorable LEGO® chick to snuggle inside!

💛 Chick creativity encouraged!
Your chicks can be yellow—or any color your imagination loves! Use LEGO® pieces to add eyes and beaks, or decorate them with fun stickers and drawings. Every design is unique, just like the little learners building them.

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What’s Included

Editable Google Slides Worksheets

Includes a planning sheet where students can sketch their nest and chick, and list out the materials they plan to use
A testing lab page to observe and record the strength and stability of their design

Thoughtful reflections question such as:

• “How does your nest mimic real birds’ strategies?”
• “Which LEGO® pieces gave the most support?”
• “How did you improve your design after testing?”

Printable Task Cards

Teacher Guide

• Features clear NGSS alignment for grades K–5
• Helpful tips for classroom setup and smooth facilitation
• Assessment rubric to support meaningful feedback

Download the FREE STEAM Challenge from the bottom

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STEM Focus Areas & Discussion Starters

This challenge targets eight critical STEM domains:

1. Material Science – Which LEGO® bricks mimic twigs, mud, or silk?

2. Biomimicry – Learn from real bird nests and replicate their techniques

3. Structural Engineering – Focus on strength, balance, and stability

4. Spatial Awareness & Geometry – How do shapes connect and support weight?

5. Environmental Science – Understand habitats and animal behavior

6. Design Thinking & Prototyping – Emphasize iteration, testing, and improvement

7. Mathematical Thinking – Explore symmetry, counting, and measurements

8. Teamwork & Communication – Highlight shared roles, listening, and collaboration

More Questions to spark reflection:

-    What shape is your nest—round, square, or another form?

-   How many chicks can it hold?

-   What materials do birds use? How can we mimic those with LEGO®

-   How did your team work together and solve problems?

-   Why do birds need nests? What makes a good habitat?

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Step by Step challnge

Step 1: Start With Science – Explore Real Bird Nests

Begin by showing pictures of real bird nests, like those made by eagles, hummingbirds, or weaver birds.

Then talk about what materials birds use such as twigs, mud, feathers, and even spider silk.

Look closely at the different shapes birds create, some nests are like cups, others are flat platforms, and some hang from branches.

Notice where nests are found up in trees, on cliffs, or tucked safely on the ground.  In this way children can do research but in engaging way.

Step 2: Build the Nest & Chick

Invite students to start building their bird nests and chicks using LEGO® bricks.

Offer fun by using task card challenges like limiting the number of bricks or adding secret entrances.

Once nests are complete, use a hairdryer or fan to gently test how well each one stands up to the “wind”.

Step 3: Math & Data Extensions

Let students measure the height and width of their nests using rulers or measuring tape.

Create a class graph showing which materials made the strongest, most stable nests. 

Have fun comparing how many chicks each nest could safely hold—was the base wide enough, or did it start to tip?

Step 4: Art & Literacy Integration

Encourage students to write a short, imaginative story from the baby chick’s point of view—what does it see, hear, and feel inside the nest?

Invite them to design and label a colorful poster showing the bird’s habitat, including trees, weather, and other animals.

Let kids decorate their LEGO® chicks using stickers or drawings to add eyes, beaks, and feathers—their personal touch makes each creation special.

Teacher Tips for Success

For younger learners, try pre-sorting LEGO® bricks by type or size to make building smoother and less overwhelming.

If you don’t have LEGO® bricks on hand, feel free to substitute with pipe cleaners, modeling clay, cardboard scraps, or other recycled materials

Keep early finishers engaged by inviting them to build a parent bird or expand their scene into a full bird habitat.

For a meaningful assessment, ask students to reflect on their designs—how is their nest like a real bird’s, and why did they choose certain shapes or pieces?

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❤️ Why Teachers Love This Resource

“My students were SO into it! We tied it into our life cycle unit, graphed nest sizes, and even wrote chick diaries. It’s a hit every spring!”

— Ms. Rivera, 1st Grade Teacher

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💬 FAQs

 Why Is STEM Education Important?

STEM (and STEAM) teaches students to be curious, resilient, and innovative—essential skills for their future.

Is Cybersecurity a STEM Degree?

Yes! Cybersecurity is part of STEM and falls under both technology and engineering fields.

What’s the Difference Between STEM and STEAM?

STEAM adds Art—making room for creativity, storytelling, and visual design. This challenge blends all elements perfectly!

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BONUS: Google Workspace & Chrome Compatible!

This resource integrates smoothly with Google Classroom, Google Chrome, and Google Workspace tools—making it simple to assign, edit, and share.

🧠 What Is STEAM Education?

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. It’s a creative, inquiry-based approach to learning that builds 21st-century skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Educators with a Master’s in STEM Education know how powerful these hands-on tasks can be—combining observation, design thinking, and teamwork while simulating real-life animal behaviors.

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Why This LEGO® STEAM Challenge Works

✅ NGSS-Aligned: Meets K-2-ETS1 and 3-5-ETS1

✅Cross-Curricular: Covers biology, art, engineering & environmental science

✅ Editable: Google Slides format is customizable by grade

✅ Low-Cost & Low-Prep: Uses basic LEGO® bricks or recyclable materials

✅ Collaborative & Fun: Perfect for small groups or stations

Download LEGO Bird Nest & Chick  STEAM Challenge

Task Card Downlod From Here

Editable Task Cards on Google Slide

STEAM Focus Areas Information

STEAM Challenge Worksheets Bundle

👉 [Click here to grab your FREE editable STEAM challenge kit]