How to Build a Birdhouse

A WebQuest for 7 Grade Woodshop Students

Designed by

Casey D. Olsen

Introduction
For this project you will team up with a partner to design and build a birdhouse. You
will start by researching birdhouse design and construction. You will then design your
own birdhouse with your partner. Once this design is complete, you will build the
birdhouse you have designed. Your birdhouse can be as simple or as ornate as you
would like, but it must be functional. Feel free to be creative! When finished, you
must write a 1-2 page essay answering the following questions. What basic wood
working skills did you learn for this project? How will you be able to use these for
more complex projects in the future? Also describe where you are going to place
your birdhouse and why.

The Task
At the end of this project you will be have made a birdhouse. In so doing you will
have learned new terms and skills that can be applied in future woodworking. In
order to accomplish this, you will need to:

Demonstrate adequate knowledge of designing and planning for a woodworking project.

Demonstrate adequate knowledge of proper use of all required equipment.
 Demonstrate adequate knowledge of all methods used.

For this project you will be required to use the internet to access selected websites.
You may also need to use books from the school library.

The Process
1. First you will select a partner, or be assigned to one.
2. Decide what type of birdhouse you and your partner want to build.
3. Go onto the internet, and research the methods necessary to design and build
your birdhouse. (See suggested websites below). You may also want to visit
the school or local library for more information.

www.birdhouses10.com/Birdhouse-Design-Variations.asp

www.birdwatching-bliss.com/bird-house-designs.html

www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/basics

www.thespruce.com/before-you-build-a-birdhouse-386647

www.thespruce.com/getting-started-in-woodworking-3536535

4. Research what equipment (tools, machinery, etc.) is required for your project.
5. Research what materials you will need.
6. Design your birdhouse.
7. Submit copy of plans to the teacher.
8. Construct birdhouse according to your plans.
9. Submit birdhouse for final grading.

Conclusion
Upon completion of this project you will have learned basic cabinet making skills that
can be used for much more than just birdhouses. What can these skills be used for in
the future? What can you build to use at home? How can these skills be transferred
to different types of projects (measuring, cutting, etc.)?

Credits & References

www.asvo.org/wp-content/uploads/files/9/1/4/build-bird-house-itself-you-
contribute-to-wildlife-14-914.jpg
Evaluation
You will be evaluated on four things: The quality of your birdhouse; the quality of
your planning; how effectively you and your partner worked together; how well you
demonstrated the required skills (i.e. equipment use, selection of materials, etc).

Beginning Developing Accomplished Exemplary Scor

1 2 3 4
House poorly
Multiple errors No detectable
built, not
in Few errors, but overall errors, very
Quality of suitable for
construction, attractive, and well built. attractive, solidly
Construction avian
but functional. built
occupation.

Plan very well

Plan written,
written, sketches
Quality of No written or but not legible, Plan well written, but still
very clear, no
Planning sketched plan. sketches very needs clarification.
further explanation
rough.
necessary.

Perfect
communication and
Low levels of Good
Teamwork No collaboration. No
communication communication/collaboration,
communication miscommunications
and Very little left
or teamwork. or lack of effort on
collaboration. uncommunicated.
either partners
part.

Required No guidance
Demonstration No skill frequent or required,
Very little guidance required.
of Skills demonstrated. constant completed task
guidance. independently.