There are so many fabulous facts about animals, their roles in history, and their current roles in society.  Chances are your classroom pet has an interesting heritage that your students can learn from.  Here are a couple of suggestions from Pets in the Classroom on how to build some lessons on history around your pet.

Pets in the Classroom petHave your students do a little research on the background of your classroom pet.  How far can you trace back its specific species?  When was it discovered? How were they viewed by people at different times in history?  What roles have they played in history? These are just a few of the questions that can bring some fun facts into your classroom.   For example, did you know that canaries and mice were used during World War II to detect bad air and poisonous gas in tunnels that were being dug behind enemy lines?    Or that Queen Elizabeth I of England was among the first European guinea pig owners? Or that George Washington had a pet parrot in the White House? Take some time to uncover the hidden history of your classroom pet.

Another way to learn more about pets and history is by having your students interview a parent, grandparent, relative, or another acquaintance on the different pets they have come in contact with in their lives.  Your students will find out more about pets and animal care, as well as more about that person’s history and life.

We hope these curriculum suggestions from Pets in the Classroom are useful and give you some ideas on how you can incorporate your classroom pet into your lesson plans.

Views: 1201
Share