Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club students recently conducted a hands-on approach to examine the lifestyles of barn owls, including their environment and prey, during a dissection of owl pellets.
Instructor Bruce Smith said the owl pellets — a compact mass of fur and bones regurgitated by the owl — is a “treasure trove” of data for researchers, providing insights on the owl.
There are several dedicated owl pellet operations in the United States, nearly all based in the Pacific Northwest. Together they sell millions of owl pellets each year to learning institutions around the world.
The Environment Science Club students began their study with a slide show on owls before performing the dissection.
“The kids were into it,” Smith said. “They identified bones and glued them onto a chart which they took home. It’s a tedious process. We had to stop for time, but the kids were ready to go on.”
The Environmental Club advisers used the owl pellets to teach basic biological concepts that are part of the life science curriculum. Mr. Smith, along with Bob Stoll and Spencer Reames assisted with the lesson.
“When the kids begin dissecting the pellets, and discovering what ‘their’ owl ate and comparing their findings with classmates, they are so engaged and so excited about what they are learning,” said Sally Stolly, director of administrative services.
In 2018, the Logan County Land Trust partnered with the Benjamin Logan Science Department to establish the Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club. Students from fourth-grade through 12th-grade have participated in the organization.
The mission of this club is “to expose students to nature, allow them to experience the natural environment, and to learn methods of managing and maintaining our resources for generations to follow.”
“It helps kids find their inner scientist,” student Montana Coleman said.