The 5th Grade is currently exploring populations, communities, and ecosystems in science class. One of the favorite activities in this unit is examining owl pellets. The remains of prey captured and eaten by owls can provide information on the types and quantities of prey populations in ecological communities where owls live. The pellets are the indigestible remains of things such as mice, voles, and even birds captured and eaten by owls.
Each student received a pellet and the class took two days to carefully dissect the pellets. Prior to dissection, we measured the length and determined the mass of each pellet using the metric system. We then averaged the totals for each data set to find an average weight and length.
Then the dissection began and each student was able to examine the fur and bones left behind. Then, using a chart supplied by the pellet provider, the type of bones and creature it came from were identified.
Great fun was had and good science was practiced by each student!
