Title – Owl Pellets

By – Jamie Rettke

Subject – Science

Grade Level – 5-8

Topic: Skeletal System

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Skills

Analysis, comparing similarities and differences,
generalizations

Objective: When asked the students will be able to:

1. Dissect an owl pellet to remove bones and remains.

2. Reconstruct a skeletal system

3. Identify possible prey of the owl

Materials

owl pellets

dissecting tools (toothpicks, tweezers)

construction paper

glue

skull guide

skeleton diagram

Procedure

1. Divide the students into groups of two. Review safety
procedures including the need to wash hands before
and after doing the activity. Give each group an owl
pellet.

2. Have students separate bones from fur and other
materials.

3. Students should use skull guide to help identify the
type of animal that was eaten by the owl by
comparing the various skulls found.

4. Determine if there are bones from more than one
animal in the pellet. If there are, determine how
many different animals are represented in one pellet.

5. Lay out the bones to form as many complete skeletons
as possible. Skeletons may be glued on to construction
paper for display or labeling.

Assessment

1. Completion of owl pellet dissection, and identification
of various bones found.

2. Oral questions before/after activity

Extensions

1. Draw a picture of a simple food chain that includes
the owl, it’s prey, and other animal or plant life that
may be in the chain.

Jamie Rettke

TheNewTeacher2@aol.com

Tinley Park, IL

http://members.aol.com/thenewteacher2/teach.htm