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 and Owl Family Assignments
• Student Write up Google Doc  – Students can enter their data and answer questions

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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