This lesson plan was modified to be used along with the novel “Hoot” by Carl Hiaasen. It can be used as a stand alone lesson as part of your Ecology Unit.
Objectives:
- simulate the struggle for survival of an owl family.
- bring food back to the nest despite obstacles.
- feed and take care of owlets.
- live in a nest as an owlet.
- experience how adaptations affect a species.
- discuss the importance of resources for a community.
Lesson Plan Resources:
- Burrowing Owls Google Slides – Public – use this to introduce information about the owls and how to run the activity, sample outcomes are included
- Hoot- Owl Family Survival Simulation Activity – Lesson plan includes directions, set up, and Owl Family Assignments (pdf)
- Student Write up Google Doc – Students can enter their data and answer questions
- Burrowing Owl Cam -📽 live from the San Diego Zoo
Materials:
- Colored Chalk (to outline nests) or painters tape
- Black Beans 1-3 lbs (food)
- White Beans – 5 beans (poison)
- Additional larger Beans to represent mice, rodents, etc
- Plastic forks (2 per owl parent)
- Small paper or plastic cups (1 per owlet)
- Owl Assignment Sheet – Cut up for students to pick their role
Middle School Science Lessons 
Comments are welcome!