Science students from Ms. Paletti’s and Mr. Clarke’s classes recently explored a fascinating aspect of owl digestion known as casting. Through an engaging video presentation followed by hands‑on classroom instruction, students learned that not everything an owl eats is digested in the usual way.
Owls swallow their prey whole, and the indigestible materials—such as bones, fur, feathers, and teeth—are compacted inside the owl’s gizzard. These materials are later regurgitated as a pellet. By carefully dissecting real owl pellets, students were able to identify skeletal remains and reconstruct the diets of owls, applying critical thinking and scientific observation skills. This interactive lab provided an exciting opportunity for students to connect anatomy, food webs, and ecosystems in a memorable, hands‑on learning experience—bringing science to life right in the classroom.
