This project is rated as average.
Materials needed: Card stock (or computer paper), crayons or paint or colored markers, scissors (or a craft knife), glue or paste, straight pin, dowel rod (or a stick or a pencil), piece of wood, drill
You will make a bird similar to this one:
Click here to display the balancing bird pattern.
Print the pattern (printing on card stock is recommended, but you can use ordinary computer paper); and return to these instructions.
Color the bird using colors of your own choosing.
Cut around the outside edges of the pattern. Do not cut around the wing tips at this time.
The tabs are provided to add weight to the wing tips (the instructions that follow are to be done for both wings.)
Fold tab A under tab B and glue them together.
Next, fold tab B under the wing and glue it to the underside of the wing.
Finally, fold tab C under the wing and glue it to the underside of the wing.
Turn the bird so that the bottom is facing up. Glue a straight pin to the bird's head so that the sharp point of the pin is aligned with the tip of the bird's beak. (This step can be omitted, but the pin provides a stronger beak for the bird.)
Wait for the glue to dry. When it is completely dry, cut around the wing tips and discard the excess tab material. Your bird is now finished.
Next, you need to make a stand for the bird.
Cut a piece of one-fourth inch dowel rod (or a similar stick such as a pencil) about 3.5 inches long.
Using a piece of wood for a base, drill a hole in it the size needed for your dowel rod.
Insert the dowel in the base.
Make a small indentation in the top of the dowel with a nail or other sharp device.
Bend the bird's wings downward slightly where they join the body.
Place the bird's beak in the indentation and it should balance at an angle to the vertical.
Congratulations! You have just made a balancing bird!
You can make additional birds using different colors and use them as gifts for friends and relatives.
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