As ecologists, students will examine owl pellets to gain insight into owls' diet by sorting the bones they discover into categories and by using a dichotomous key to identify the bones of prey species. This environmental lab demonstrates how energy is transferred throughout food chains and food webs. Students will also discover what role predators, such as owls, play in the food chain, and ecosystem. (3-LS4-1, 4LS1-1, 5PS3-1, 5-LS2-1) 

Unit Connection: OSE Unit 3.3 Trait Variations, Unit 3.4 Ecosystem Change & Survival