Owls and Raptors

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Owls and raptors are the focus for science lessons with an emphasis on discovery. Instead of textbooks, students use trade books and Web sites. They dissect owl pellets. Through play, they learn about predator-prey relationships.

OBJECTIVE
Students will:

1. Learn new words and ask/answer their own questions.
2. Dissect owl pellets and identify what owls eat.
3. Play Rabbits and Hawks board game and play with predator/prey puppets.
4. Think and act like scientists. (Ask questions, make predictions and guesses, try multiple strategies to solve problems, work collaboratively, and persevere)

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: What is a Raptor?
Lesson 2: Dissecting Owl Pellets
Lesson 3: Learning Through Play

REPRODUCIBLES
Lab reports (PDF)
Hawks and Rabbits (PDF)

CULMINATING ACTIVITY

I suggest two different ways to conclude the unit:

1. Field Trip
Find out what’s available in your area. Try colleges, nature centers, and natural history or science museums. Ask parents to help you locate an expert bird watcher or naturalist. We were fortunate to have a raptor rehabilitation center in our town. Prior to our visit, we had a well-advertised bake sale and raised money for a donation to the rehabilitation center.
2. Owl Report
An alternate idea might be a report which could be shared. Keep it simple and have students try to answer one question. For example: How do raptors care for their young? Use a raptor book display in classroom library and internet sites for information. Have students write their question on the top of poster board and then draw and write their response. Reports could be shared with another grade or class. Put up posters in hallway so parents can see students’ work.

SUPPORTING BOOKS

Books and Internet Resources for Teaching About Owls and Raptors

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