Owls and a merlin brought a burst of excitement to the classroom! As the initial buzz settled, curious hands reached for the birds and feathers carefully laid out before them. Questions began to surface, shaped by weeks of wondering about animals that come alive after dark.

This encounter was the culmination of a month-long inquiry into nocturnal animals, which had already guided the class deep into exploring bats and owls. Across language arts, science and art, students investigated how these creatures navigate and interact with their environments, building understanding through discussion, observation and creative expression.

Seeing an owl and a merlin up close brought learning to life. Students asked thoughtful questions and compared feather specimens side by side, noticing details they had previously only imagined. This direct interaction with the animals made their discoveries tangible, connecting classroom experiences with the natural world in a way that was immediate, meaningful and unforgettable.