Thursday 4/30 Agenda

Learning Goal- Dissect an owl pellet and identify the bones found.

Task 1. Question of the Day: What are some similarities and differences between an owl digestive system and ours?

Task 2. Read "How do Barn Owls Make Pellets?"

• How is the owl's digestive system similar to ours? how is it different?
• What can we learn about the diet of an owl by dissecting a pellet?

Task 3. Owl Dissection Lab:

Assign roles to group members:

• Project Manager: reads directions, keeps group on task

• Materials Manager: obtains all lab materials, and puts them away (owl pellet, ruler, paper plate, tweezers, probe, rubber gloves, magnifier)

• Data Manager: records all data, observations, answers to questions on lab document in Google Classroom.

• Lab Technician: takes measurements, handles samples, responsible for pellet dissection

1. Work with your partners to measure the length, width, and mass of your owl pellet. Record the information on your lab document.
2. Dissect the pellet by first breaking a piece off with your finders. Roll it gently between your thumb and index finger, feeling for any hard substances. You can watch this video of an owl pellet dissection to get some tips.
3. Find a skull/jaw. Measure the length of the jaw in millimeters. Record your measurement on your lab document.
4. Separate the smaller bones from the fur or feathers. Use the Identifying Owl Pellet Contents chart to separate the bones into different categories. Record the information on the table in your lab document.

Task 4. Ticket out: What surprised you about the owl pellet dissection?