Log In

Finding the Bones in an Owl Pellet (ages 10-13)

Class
Debby Harrison
Average rating:4.8Number of reviews:(34)
In this one session class, learners will discuss the eating habits of a barn owl and the food chain by dissecting an owl pellet.

Class experience

US Grade 5 - 7
Learners will improve their understanding of the eating habits of a barn owl and the food chain.
I have taught biology at the high school level in both public schools and home schools. I have taught this particular course before and have also completed numerous animal dissections myself as a high school and college student. My first college degree is in Secondary Education (grades 6-12) with four concentrations (one concentration being biology) so I am certified to teach this subject at those levels. I have also taught Human Anatomy and Physiology at the college level and taught dissections there.
Homework Offered
Learners should have their owl pellet ready to dissect upon entering the classroom. Learners may need extra time after class to complete their own dissection and/or to complete their hand-outs. Learners will benefit most if they read over material about the eating habits of a barn owl and the food chain before each class as well as looking over these websites: <https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/owl-pellet-dissection-project/>. <https://www.science-sparks.com/simple-food-chains/>
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Learners will be assessed by informal assessment. A handout will be provided before the first class. The students will complete this before class. This handout can also be used by parents as an informal assessment at home after class. A vocabulary quiz is available at https://quizlet.com/_8oxpje?x=1jqt&i=320l2k
Grades Offered
NOTE:  I do NOT receive additional benefits through commissions or the like. I am NOT an affiliate for any website or subscription company package NOR am I an owner of any online store. 

Each learner will need to purchase their own owl pellet dissection kit. The specific kit needed can be found at this website:
https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/owl-pellet-dissection-kit/

The owl pellet is NOT owl poop!! The owl pellet is regurgitated (vomited) after the owl has digested all of the animal parts that it can. The owl pellet will contain primarily small animal bones. 

The information below is from the supplier listed above:

"This hands-on owl pellet kit guides students through the dissection of an owl pellet. This complete kit comes with a large owl pellet (1-1/2" or larger), dissection tools, instructions, an identification key, and a bone sorting chart for bone identification. It has everything you need for an owl pellet dissection! Each large owl pellet is foil wrapped and dry heat sterilized. This barn owl pellet dissection kit teaches students about food chains and food webs! Examine the inside of an owl pellet to discover the indigestible parts (or bones) of the shrews, voles, and other critters that are eaten by barn owls. The included bone chart helps students to identify jawbones, skulls, and other bits and pieces that help them to further understand and define the different animals in a barn owl's food web... Safety Information: Our owl pellets have been dry heat sterilized for a minimum of 4 hours at 250°F to kill bacteria and viruses naturally present. Even so, we highly recommend that you follow these guidelines when working with owl pellets:
Work in a place separate from eating and food preparation areas.
Use disposable latex gloves or nitrile gloves during the dissection and cleanup.
Use a disposable tray or plate to contain the owl pellet during dissection. Do not dissect directly on desks or table tops.
Use only dissection tools provided. Do not let children use pencils or other personal items for dissection. Kids like to use our economical plastic forceps to take apart the owl pellet.
Use a sanitizer with paper towels or disposable sanitizing wipes to thoroughly wash hands, work areas, and any dissection tools when finished. Household bleach in a 1:10 solution can be used as a sanitizer.
Make sure everyone thoroughly washes their hands with soap and water after the dissection and cleanup."
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
NOTE:  I do NOT receive additional benefits through commissions or the like. I am NOT an affiliate for any website or subscription company package NOR am I an owner of any online store. 

From <https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/owl-pellet-dissection-kit/?nosto=nosto-page-category2> - 

Safety Information: The owl pellets in this kit have been dry heat sterilized for a minimum of 4 hours at 250°F to kill the bacteria and viruses that are naturally present. Even so, we highly recommend that you follow these guidelines when working with owl pellets:

Work in a place separate from eating and food preparation areas.
Use disposable latex gloves or nitrile gloves during the dissection and cleanup.
Use a disposable tray or plate to contain the owl pellet during dissection. Do not dissect directly on desks or table tops.
Use only dissection tools provided. Do not let children use pencils or other personal items for dissection. Kids like to use our economical plastic forceps to take apart the owl pellet.
Use a sanitizer with paper towels or disposable sanitizing wipes to thoroughly wash hands, work areas, and any dissection tools when finished. Household bleach in a 1:10 solution can be used as a sanitizer.
Make sure everyone thoroughly washes their hands with soap and water after the dissection and cleanup.
<https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/owl-pellet-dissection-kit/?nosto=nosto-page-category2>

<https://www.science-sparks.com/simple-food-chains/>
Average rating:4.8Number of reviews:(34)
Profile
Hello! I'm Teacher Debby and I am very happy to meet you! I teach a variety of academic classes including science, math, English skills, music, and hobby classes like cake decorating and animals. I have a Bachelor's degree (Life Science, Earth... 
Group Class

$25

per class
Meets once
55 min

Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
1-6 learners per class

About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyTerms
Outschool International
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2024 Outschool