Owl Pellets- A Study of the Skeletal System
Objectives
• The students will learn about the skeletal system through dissecting
owl pellets and reconstructing the skeletons of voles, birds and/or
mice.
Subjects
Science
Suggested Grade Level
3rd – 5th
Timeline
3-5 class periods
Background
Students
Students should know that the skeletal system is the framework of the human
body and all mammals.
It is needed and whatever is left is collected in their gizzard. The owl will then
spit up this pellet and it is left near their home.
Materials
Owl pellets
Owl pellets worksheet
Tweezers
Large wooden pokers
Meat trays
Construction paper
Glue
Diagrams/pictures of skeletons of voles, birds and/or mice
Rubber gloves
Lesson
1. Demonstrate how to carefully pull apart the owl pellets, separating the hair
from the bone
2. Pass out the meat trays, tweezers, wooden pokers, rubber gloves, and
owl pellets
3. Have students put on rubber gloves explaining that each pellet has been
treated with chemicals
4. Allow students to begin dissecting owl pellets. As they go, have them
identify the number of skulls and what type of skull they are using the owl
pellets worksheet
5. As students complete their dissections of the owl pellets, pass out the
construction paper and glue. Have diagrams available for students to use.
6. Students will then search through the bones to recreate a skeleton of the
chosen animal. If certain bones cannot be found allow students to share
bones from different pellets, as there are inevitably extra bones.
Extensions
• Students can research barn owls and do a report on the bird.
• Students can research what eats the barn owl and what its prey eats
and do a food chain analysis
Evaluation/Assessment
• The students will learn about the skeletal system through dissecting
owl pellets and reconstructing the skeletons of voles, birds and/or
mice.
Resources
4th grade curriculum. Ridgeview Elementary. Falcon District 49.