Science Granny's Virtual Lab

First grader searched to solve a mystery during  a recent Science Granny’s visit.  The children found that if they dissect an owl pellet they can find out what the owl has been eating.  As you may know (and your child knows), owls eat their prey whole or in large chunks, with fur, bones, and all.  “After swallowing whole prey, the bird’s body breaks down food to absorb nutrients and form a pellet from wastes.  Several hours later, the bird expels the pellet through its mouth.”¹ (Yes, they cough up a ball of fur and bones).  The first grade scientists used toothpicks, tweezers, and magnifying glasses to find the bones, fur, and other indigestible remains of an owl’s dinner so they could figure out what it told about the food that the owl had eaten.  By the way, the owl pellets were commercially purchased and sterilized.

If you want to get a small book on owls which includes a sterilized owl pellet and bone sorting dish, I recommend the following book:

Hammerslough, J. (2004). Owl Puke.  New York: Workman Publishing  Company.

Cost is about $11.  This could make a very educational gift.

Look further on this site for information on a loupe, a special magnifier which the children use when they study their owl pellets.  (Look for the section on Christmas gifts.)

1Hammerslough, Owl Puke, pg. 51.