This activity promotes development and learning by encouraging children to use hands and fingers to explore, as well as developing increasing care for self, others, and the environment.

Materials Needed:

• 2 apples
• 2 cups bird seed
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 packets unflavored gelatin
• 4 small screws or nail
• String, twine or yarn

Participants: This activity is intended for adult/child interaction. Suitable for children 3 years of age or older.

Directions:

1. Wash your hands!
2. Heat water to boiling, add gelatin packets, take off heat and stir until dissolved.
   
3. Stir in birdseed and mix well. Your child can help mix at this step.
4. Cut the apples in half and hollow out the insides with a spoon, corer or knife.
5. With your child’s help, spoon the birdseed mixture into the hollows of each apple. Place on a baking sheet and refrigerate 1-2 hours until firm.
6. Cut the apples in half and hollow out the insides with a spoon, corer or knife.
7. Poke a screw or nail into the top of each apple, tie the string or twine to it in a loop and hang from a bush or tree outside. Visit or observe the location throughout the day to watch for birds coming to feed.

Extension: Draw pictures of the different birds that come to the feeders. Do other animals visit the feeders too? Count the number of animal visitors and keep a tally. How many visitors did you see by the end of the week?