
Owls & Pellets
Calgary WildlifeA real HOOT! Discover Alberta's amazing owls through a hands-on owl pellet dissection.
Quick Facts
Format
In-person Outreach
Cost
$215 per classroom, including 30 owl pellets. Additional pellets are available for a fee for groups larger than 30. Additional travel fees apply outside Calgary, Airdrie and Cochrane.
Grades
Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12, Homeschool
Length
Single session (under 2 hours)
Group Size
5–30 students
Language
English
Time of Year
Year-round
Setting
Indoor
Districts
Southern Alberta–wide
About This Program
Whooo's ready to explore the world of owls? Discover the incredible adaptations of Alberta's owls, then become a wildlife detective by dissecting a real owl pellet to uncover the secrets of their diet!
What to Expect
This interactive, 60-minute classroom presentation is delivered by a Calgary Wildlife educator at your school or organization. Students explore Alberta's owls through engaging visuals, fascinating animal biofacts and real stories from our wildlife rehabilitation hospital, followed by a hands-on owl pellet dissection. Each program includes 30 real, sterilized owl pellets, with additional pellets available at an additional cost. Students will need desk or table space to conduct their dissections. Calgary Wildlife does not provide gloves for this activity, as the owl pellets are sterilized in an autoclave and are safe to handle with bare hands. Students may keep the bones they discover after the program ends. A TV or projector with audio is required; if one is not available at your location, we can bring our own. Please note that this program does not include live animals.
Curriculum Connections
This program supports science learning through the exploration of animal adaptations, predator-prey relationships, food webs and ecosystems. The hands-on owl pellet dissection encourages scientific observation, investigation, classification and identification. Program content can be adapted to suit different grade levels. Please see our website at www.calgarywildlife.org/education for additional information.
Subjects
Topics
Accessibility
Physical Accessibility
Our educators travel directly to your school or facility, so physical accessibility depends on your venue. The owl pellet dissection is conducted at desks or tables and can be adapted to accommodate students with different physical abilities. The owl pellet dissection does require dexterity and potential usage of tools, as well as restraint to not put owl pellet in mouths. Please contact us in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Neurodiverse Accommodations
Our programs incorporate visual, auditory and hands-on learning to engage different learning styles. The owl pellet dissection involves handling natural materials, and students who may be uncomfortable with the sensory aspects of this activity. Educators can adapt activities and delivery to accommodate students' individual needs.
How to Book
To book an Owls and Pellets program, visit our online booking page, select your preferred date and time, add any additional owl pellets needed, and submit a booking request. Once your request has been reviewed and approved, you will receive an invoice with instructions for online payment. For special accommodations, please contact education@calgarywildlife.org.
About the Organization
