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Owls & Pellets
In-person Outreach
Fee per class
Southern Alberta–wide
English

Owls & Pellets

Calgary Wildlife

A 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!

Silent wings, sharp talons and incredible nighttime vision! Owls are some of Alberta's most fascinating birds of prey, but what makes them such remarkable hunters? Can owls really turn their heads all the way around? Are all owls nocturnal? And what can a little ball of fur and bones tell us about what an owl had for dinner? In this interactive presentation, students explore the fascinating adaptations, behaviours and ecological importance of Alberta's owls through engaging visuals, animal biofacts and real wildlife stories. They'll discover how owls use their specialized feathers, powerful senses and impressive hunting skills to survive, while learning about the important role these birds play in our ecosystems. Then it's time to become wildlife detectives! Students put their scientific investigation skills to the test by dissecting real owl pellets, uncovering tiny bones and identifying the prey animals that make up an owl's diet. Perfect for Grade 2 through adult learners, this hands-on program combines fascinating wildlife education with an unforgettable scientific investigation that brings the natural world right into your classroom!

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

Curriculum Connected

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

Science

Topics

Nature & Wildlife
Environmental Education

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

Calgary Wildlife

Calgary Wildlife

Explore the Wild Side with Calgary Wildlife!

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Owls & Pellets — SERG Alberta