Summer SAVY, Session 1 Day 4, Harry Potter: The Science Behind the Magic (Owens, Sect. 1) (5th-6th)
Today in Harry Potter: The Science Behind the Magic, students began the day in Care of Magical Creatures class, where we focused on one of the most iconic animals in the wizarding world: owls! We learned about owl behavior, unique adaptations, and their role in the Harry Potter universe. Then we compared owls to homing pigeons, discussing which animal would actually make the better mail carrier in real life. Students had thoughtful ideas about speed, navigation, trainability, and even messiness! After that, we dissected owl pellets, uncovering the bones of small animals and identifying what their owl had eaten—an exciting hands-on look at the food chain.
Later in the day, we kicked off our Quidditch Cup, with students competing in their house teams for points. The excitement continued as we returned to Flying class, this time focusing on the physics of falling. We talked about gravity, air resistance, and how engineers design systems to slow down falling objects safely. Then, students worked in teams to build egg drop contraptions, using what they’d learned to protect their “egg passengers” from a high drop. A big congratulations to Ravenclaw, whose clever designs kept both of their eggs completely intact!
At the end of the day, students put their knowledge to the test with more review games, earning more house points. Their teamwork, creativity, and scientific thinking were on full display as we wrapped up the day with a lot of excitement.
Parents can ask:
- What did you learn about owls, and how do they compare to homing pigeons?
- What did you find inside your owl pellet?
- How did you design your egg drop contraption? Did your egg survive the fall? What improvements could you make?
- How did your house perform in the Quidditch tournament and review competition?
Tomorrow is our final day, and it’s going to be a magical one! Students will take their O.W.L. exams, compete in the Quidditch Cup Championship, and celebrate with butterbeer and the long-awaited House Cup Ceremony. We can’t wait to celebrate all they’ve accomplished!
