Owls, Ecology, and ELA: Fifth Graders Soar Through a Birds of Prey Unit

At Burns Sci-Tech, we believe learning is at its best when subjects come together in meaningful, hands-on ways—and our fifth-grade team recently proved just how powerful that can be! In an engaging cross-curricular unit, reading and science joined forces around a common (and feathered) theme: birds of prey.

A Visit From Wild About Birds, Inc.

To kick off the unit, students enjoyed a thrilling live presentation from Wild About Birds, Inc., a local nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving Florida’s habitats through wildlife education. Gina and Laura, educators from the organization, introduced our students to the world of owls and other birds of prey through a dynamic, interactive session.

Two very special guests—Meiko, a beautiful Barred Owl, and Frodo, a 17-year-old Eastern Screech Owl—stole the show and captured the hearts of students. As Gina and Laura shared fascinating facts about raptor behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts, students were able to see these majestic birds up close, making the science come alive in unforgettable ways.

ELA Connection: Reading Hoot

Simultaneously in ELA, students were diving into Hoot by Carl Hiaasen, a novel centered around environmental conservation and the protection of burrowing owls in Florida. Through the story’s colorful characters and compelling plot, students began to understand the importance of advocacy, awareness, and protecting wildlife—mirroring the mission of Wild About Birds.

Reading Hoot provided not only a literary journey but a personal one as well. Students began to connect more deeply with the animals they were reading about, and many were inspired to learn more about how they could help protect native species.

Hands-On Learning: Owl Pellet Dissections

To take their understanding even further, students participated in a fascinating hands-on science activity: owl pellet dissections. These small, compact masses—regurgitated by owls after a meal—gave students a firsthand look at what owls eat and how they digest food. Using tweezers and diagrams, students carefully examined bones, fur, and other remains, piecing together the diets of these nighttime predators.

The dissection was more than just an engaging science lab—it was a chance for students to apply concepts from both the novel and the wildlife presentation. They began to recognize the vital role owls play in the ecosystem, and the experience helped solidify their learning across multiple subjects.

Why Cross-Curricular Learning Matters

By connecting reading and science in such an immersive way, this unit not only reinforced academic skills but also sparked curiosity, compassion, and critical thinking. Students weren't just memorizing facts about owls—they were asking questions, exploring real-world issues, and developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

This is the kind of learning that sticks.

As one student put it, “I didn’t know owls were so important. Now I want to help them.”

The Takeaway

This birds of prey unit is a shining example of how cross-curricular experiences can deepen understanding and inspire young minds. We’re proud of our fifth graders for their enthusiasm, curiosity, and growing awareness of conservation issues—and grateful to our partners at Wild About Birds, Inc., for bringing their passion and expertise to our school.

We can’t wait to see where our next adventure in learning will take us!