Working Animals
What is our responsibility to advocate for fair treatment of animals?
Photo Credit: Charlie and a little girl by Gunnar Sigurður Zoega Guðmundsson is licensed under CC by 2.0
The students learn about some extraordinary working animals and understand each individual’s responsibility to treat animals in a humane way. The students research a specific working animal and create an informational presentation about their findings. Learners discover the impact that these animals have on the greater good.
This lesson is designed to help the learners understand that animals and humans can work together as a team. Many animals perform tasks that are vital to our existence and/or enhance the quality of life (enhance the common good). Many animals meet specific needs in communities, including search and rescue dogs, therapy animals, comfort and companion animals, and more. The students will learn about some extraordinary working animals and understand each individual’s responsibility to treat animals in a humane way.
As part of a small group, the students select and research a specific working animal. They create an informational presentation (poster or computer software) about their findings. Learners discover the impact that these animals have on the greater good of communities.
We learn about “payments” due to working and animal companions and that animals require humane treatment. Students plan and carry out a service project to support animal welfare. Optional: They reflect on the impact of their project by creating a class book to share with others.