It's one thing to read about science, but when you bring it alive in the classroom, real learning that lasts a lifetime starts to take place! I'd like to make the food chain more than just a video or a chart on paper, but a chance for students to discover through a real lab experience!
My students are an enthusiastic group of fourth graders attending a public elementary school in southern Maryland.
We are inspired by the world around us and love to use the natural world to jump start our imaginations and promote deeper thinking and inquiry.
Since I teach all fourth graders, they are an incredibly diverse group. Students range from the highly gifted to students with special needs. The one thing all students agree on is that hands-on science experiments are "way cool!" I have a feeling that dissecting owl pellets will be the highlight of their fourth grade year.
My Project
Working in pairs, students will make observations and create questions about owls as they discover the remains of the owl's last meal through the dissection of their very own owl pellet. They will learn how to conduct themselves safely in a real-life science lab setting and will discover nature in an unexpected place - the hairball that an owl pukes up! What a way to engage the reluctant learner!
The owl pellet offers students a unique opportunity (not to mention excitement) while teaching about food chains. This activity will also reinforce math skills as they graph the bones they discover in their pellet.
Last year I funded a similar project through DonorsChoose, so this year the materials requested are the consumables needed so that this year's group of 4th graders can participate in this exciting science lab - owl pellets, gloves, etc... along with a preserved owl pellet and common prey display which will aid my students in their classification of bones found.
I hope you will consider donating to our worthwhile project for the 2012 - 2013 school year.
Having these supplies in my students' hands will inspire them to look more closely at the amazing, intricate world we live in. The impact of a lab like this is far-reaching, as this may be one of those science labs that students will never forget -- which means they won't forget the concepts either.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Ells Perry and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
