Head O’ Meadow Elementary School second graders gathered around Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop of Hamden educator and curriculum developer Andrew Sargent in the school’s cafetorium on January 25 to learn about birds.

According to the museum, the Bird Beak Variations program helps students learn why birds species look different, why beaks can look different, and more. The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) presentation was supported by parent volunteers and school staff who assisted in the second-half of the event. Mr Sargent said the museum offers a range of programs like the Bird Beak Variations.

During the program, Mr Sargent led an activity for students to build their own wooden beaks, which could move and demonstrate how beaks work. Students were separated into groups at different tables and then set about building their beak models, under the guidance of Mr Sargent, parents, and staff. Once their models were completed, students had the option of decorating their wooden creations.

“I like it because I like building and I like art,” said second grader Mackenzie Miskelly.

At another table, second grader Ethan McCoy smiled while he worked. When asked why he was enjoying the program, Ethan said, “It’s sort of just my thing; you can decorate it, and you can build.”

More information about Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop and its programs is available at its website, eliwhitney.org.