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Caring for Those Amazing Animals

Grades: 
6, 7, 8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Civic Responsibility/Virtue
Laws
Animals

Discuss and evaluate personal beliefs and attitudes about the treatment of animals, especially applied to sports and entertainment. We explore how laws and beliefs concerning animal welfare affect personal responses to animal treatment. 

Duration 
PrintOne 45 Minute Session
Objectives 
  • identify and articulate how differing attitudes and beliefs affect the use of animals insports and entertainment.
  • investigate the Animal Welfare Act and Animal Cruelty Laws in their state.
Materials 
  • copies of handout Animal Cruelty Cases or Not? Cut apart
Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Reflect that people have different opinions on issues such as animal welfare and animal cruelty. Today they will be asked to serve as “jurors” and decide three different cases to determine if these cases should be considered animal cruelty cases or not.

  2. Randomly distribute the cases cut from the handout below. In groups, they read their case and discuss whether it is an example of animal cruelty. Allow 10-15 minutes for this deliberation.

  3. Have each small group assign a spokesperson to read the case to the rest of the whole group and explain their “verdict.” Between readings allow 2-3 minutes for the whole group to respond to the jury’s ruling.

    Note: There may not be any one “right” answer in each of these cases so more than likely there will be some differing of opinions. Allow some time for the learners to appropriately express these opinions.

  4. Reflect on attitudes and beliefs about animals and their rights.

  5. Every state now has laws in place that address issues of animal cruelty and animal welfare. Look up the animal welfare laws for your state and discuss.

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark MS.2 Discuss why some animals and humans will sacrifice for the benefit of unknown others.
      2. Benchmark MS.4 Describe the characteristics of someone who helps others.
    2. Standard PCS 02. Diverse Cultures
      1. Benchmark MS.2 Describe the importance of hearing all voices in a community and respecting their right to be heard.
      2. Benchmark MS.4 Identify civil society organizations that protect and speak for minority viewpoints.