There are many different ways to learn about feathers in fun, hands-on activities:

The colors in peacock feathers are structural colors, which means that their color is impacted by outside factors, such as light. The following experiment captures the variability of structural colors. 

1. Draw a picture of the peacock feather, making sure to capture all the colors.

2. Place the peacock feather into a bath of water and let it soak for five minutes, then remove the feather.

3. Draw the feather again, paying special attention to the colors. Is it the same color as before? Given your understanding of structural colors, why do you think these changes occurred? Answer: The colors of the feather change because the water changes the refraction of the light.

Many feathers get their colors from structural or interference colors. Through these experimental bookmarks, you can learn more about these fascinating types of colors!

1. Fill the tub halfway up with water, which can be replaced as needed when it gets discolored. 

2. Use the silver sharpie marker to draw designs on the paper.

3. Put the bookmark into water and then use the tweezers to fully submerge it. 

4. Place one drop of nail polish onto the surface of the water. Interestingly, nail polish is hydrophobic so it repels water, which is why the nail polish spreads into a very thin layer on top of the water.  

5. Pull the bookmark through the thin colorful layer to transfer the colors to the bookmark, which will leave behind a rainbow effect when it dries.

6. Blow a hair dyer on the bookmark to dry it completely, 

7. When the bookmark is dry, hold it up to a light. Are there any new colors? What happens to the colors as you move the paper, bend it, and hold it at different angles in the light? Based on what you have learned so far, where do you think the colors are coming from? 

Feathers are generally strong and resistant to fluids in order to protect the bird, but oil has a negative impact on their structure and can actually entirely prevent birds from flying. The following activity shows just how detrimental oil spills can be for birds and their feathers.

1. Examine the feather and rub your hands over it to feel its structure, noting how light it is and how the vanes are held together.

2. Dip the feather into the tub of water, then use your hands to feel the feather's structure again. What does the feather feel like now? Does it feel any different?

3. Dip the feather into the tub of vegetable oil, then use your hands to feel the feather's structure. How does it feel now? Does it feel heavier? This extra weight prevents many birds from flying correctly.

4. Wash the feather with dishwashing soap and try to get all the oil off. Is it difficult to remove the oil? Does the feather feel the same as it did before you put oil on it, or does it feel different? This is because removing the oil from the feathers strips off not just the oils that got on the bird but also the natural waterproofing oils that the bird needs to dry off for flight. 

While you may not be able to keep feathers you find on the ground, you can still capture the feather's beauty through an artistic process called a cyanotype.

-watercolor paper (approximately 6" * 8")

-a cyanotype kit (including the cyanotype sensitizer solution, tray to pour the solution into, a brush to apply the sensitizer, and a dropper) OR a pack of sun sensitive paper

-a place for the paper to soak (can be a pan of water, a sink, etc.)

1. If you are using a cyanotype kit, follow the directions provided in the kit, starting with mixing the solution and then applying it to the paper with the brush, then allowing it to dry completely in a dark place. If you are using pre-prepared sun sensitive paper, skip this step and move to step 2.

2. Set the feather on top of the light-sensitive side of the paper, and put the glass on top to hold the feather in place.

3. Put the paper outside in the sun for at least ten minutes.

4. Place the paper into a water bath and allow it to soak for fifteen minutes before putting it on a flat surface to dry.

Standards for Fun Feather Activities