Adopt, Love, and Learn: Pet Care Crusaders

High School Grade

Project
4 weeks

Adopt, Love, and Learn: Pet Care Crusaders

Aimee Gallegos

Purpose

Students will create informative and engaging multimedia presentations to educate the community about the benefits of adopting pets from the Humane Society. They will research various cat and dog breeds, focusing on their specific needs and how to best care for them in a home environment. By collaborating in small groups, students will develop comprehensive care guides and promotional materials that highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership. This project will culminate in a community event where students present their findings and advocate for pet adoption, fostering a deeper understanding of animal welfare.

Learning goals

Students will develop research skills by investigating various cat and dog breeds to understand their specific needs and characteristics. They will enhance their communication skills by creating informative presentations and materials aimed at educating potential pet adopters. Through collaboration, students will work in teams to design engaging activities that highlight the benefits of pet adoption and responsible pet care. Critical thinking will be fostered as students analyze data and information to make informed recommendations for pet care. Finally, students will gain a deeper understanding of animal welfare and the role of community organizations like the Humane Society.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
NGSS - HS-LS2-6: Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.

Products

Students will create informative brochures and engaging digital presentations that highlight the characteristics and care needs of specific cat and dog breeds. They will develop interactive workshops or demonstrations to present at a community event hosted by the Humane Society, showcasing their research and promoting pet adoption. Additionally, students will compile a resource guide for new pet owners, which includes tips on pet care and local services available for pet support.

Launch

Begin the project with a visit to the local Humane Society of Imperial Valley, where students can interact with various cat and dog breeds and learn firsthand about their needs and personalities. Following the visit, students will participate in a brainstorming session to discuss their observations and initial ideas for promoting pet adoptions. This will set the stage for their research and project development, ensuring they have a personal connection to the animals and a clear understanding of the project's purpose.

Exhibition

Students will create an interactive pet care fair at the school, where they will present research findings on various cat and dog breeds. Each student will design a booth featuring a specific breed, complete with informative displays, care guides, and engaging activities for visitors. The fair will include live demonstrations, such as proper grooming techniques or pet training tips, to educate attendees on responsible pet ownership. Students will also develop brochures and digital presentations to distribute, highlighting the benefits of adopting from the Humane Society. This event will invite local community members, families, and representatives from the Humane Society to participate and provide feedback.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Visit the Humane Society of Imperial Valley to observe and interact with various cat and dog breeds. Students will take notes on the characteristics and needs of the animals they meet.	Participate in a brainstorming session to discuss observations from the Humane Society visit, noting initial ideas for promoting pet adoptions and understanding animal needs.	Form small research groups, with each group choosing specific cat and dog breeds to focus on for their project. Begin initial research using library and internet resources.	Develop research questions focused on the specific needs, characteristics, and care requirements of selected breeds.	Begin compiling information on chosen breeds, focusing on understanding their behavior, dietary needs, exercise requirements, and ideal home environment.
Deliverables	1. A set of research questions for each group that will guide their investigation into the selected cat and dog breeds.
Preparation	1. Coordinate and schedule the visit to the Humane Society of Imperial Valley, ensuring all necessary permissions and transportation are arranged. 2. Prepare a list of suggested resources (books, websites, articles) for breed research to provide to students. 3. Set up digital tools and platforms for students to organize and record their research findings. 4. Create a template for students to use in developing their research questions. 5. Ensure access to the library and computer lab for students to conduct their research.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Review and refine the research questions based on feedback from Week 1, ensuring they are focused and actionable for the investigation.	Conduct in-depth research on the selected cat and dog breeds using a variety of sources, including books, scholarly articles, and reputable online resources.	Organize the gathered information into categories such as behavior, dietary needs, exercise requirements, health concerns, and ideal home environments.	Collaborate in groups to create initial drafts of informative brochures that highlight the key characteristics and care requirements of the chosen breeds.	Begin designing digital presentations using tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides, integrating multimedia elements to enhance the presentation.
Deliverables	1. A refined set of research questions for each group. 2. Organized notes and information compiled into categories for each breed. 3. Initial drafts of informative brochures for the selected breeds.
Preparation	1. Provide feedback on the initial research questions and guide students in refining them. 2. Ensure access to digital libraries and other online resources for thorough research. 3. Prepare examples of effective informational brochures and digital presentations to guide students. 4. Set aside time for group check-ins to monitor progress and provide support as needed. 5. Arrange access to computers or tablets for students to work on digital presentations.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Conduct peer reviews of the initial brochure drafts from Week 2 and provide constructive feedback to each group, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and engagement.	Revise brochures based on peer feedback, ensuring all essential information is clear and well-organized.	Finalize digital presentations, incorporating multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio clips to enhance the message.	Plan and design interactive elements or demonstrations for the upcoming pet care fair, such as a grooming demonstration or a pet-friendly DIY project.	Develop a script or outline for presenting the digital presentations and interactive elements at the pet care fair.
Deliverables	1. Revised and finalized informative brochures for each breed. 2. Completed digital presentations ready for the pet care fair. 3. A plan and design for interactive elements or demonstrations at the pet care fair.
Preparation	1. Create guidelines and rubrics for peer review to ensure constructive and focused feedback. 2. Provide access to multimedia resources and tools for enhancing digital presentations. 3. Schedule practice sessions for students to rehearse their presentations and demonstrations. 4. Organize materials and equipment needed for interactive elements, such as grooming tools or DIY supplies. 5. Coordinate with the Humane Society to finalize logistics for their participation in the pet care fair.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Set up the interactive pet care fair at the school. Ensure all booths are ready, with displays and materials organized.	Rehearse presentations and demonstrations one final time with peers, focusing on clarity and engagement.	Host the pet care fair, where students present their research findings, digital presentations, and interactive demonstrations to the community, families, and representatives from the Humane Society.	Facilitate a question and answer session after presentations, allowing attendees to engage with students and learn more about the pet adoption process.	Reflect on the project experience as a class, discussing what was learned about pet care, adoption, and community engagement.
Deliverables	1. Successful execution of the interactive pet care fair, with each group presenting their booth and engaging with attendees. 2. A class reflection document or video summarizing key learnings and experiences from the project.
Preparation	1. Ensure all logistical arrangements for the pet care fair are finalized, including space setup, supplies, and technology needs. 2. Coordinate with the Humane Society to confirm their participation and any additional support they can provide during the fair. 3. Prepare a feedback form for community attendees to provide input on the pet care fair and student presentations. 4. Set up a system for documenting the event through photos or videos, ensuring parental permissions are in place. 5. Organize a debriefing session with students post-fair to discuss their experiences and gather reflections.