The students will dissect an owl pellet by removing the bones. They will use the bones to reconstruct the skeletons to help them determine what animals the owl has eaten. The class will compile their results and use their findings to help them construct a food web for the owl.
The students will watch an introductory video on food chains. They will also complete an activity that will simulate the foraging routines of a predator.
This activity is a simulation that illustrates how population sizes are affected by predator-prey relationships and competitive interactions among prey.
Using actual wildlife injury data from a local wildlife rescue center, students learn what animal species have been injured and the causes of injury. Students use spreadsheet software to sort, organize, and evaluate their findings for recommendations to reduce human-caused injury to wildlife. Students prepare and present a summary of their findings and recommendations to the local Audubon Society, The Humane Society, neighborhood associations, and other interested groups. At the end of each public presentation, students gather public reaction to the data and collect ideas on how to reduce injury to wildlife. These recommendations are compiled into a newsletter and wiki for dissemination to a wider audience.
This unit plan was originally developed by the Intel® Teach program as an exemplary unit plan demonstrating some of the best attributes of teaching with technology.