1-Pager
All grades  Project 12 weeks

Pawsitive Perceptions: Phenomenology of Pets

Zachary H
CCSS.Math.Content.8.G.A.2
CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.5
CCSS.Math.Content.8.G.B.7
CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.C.4
CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.C.5
+ 11 more
1-pager

Purpose

This project aims to explore the bond between humans and animals by engaging students in meaningful interactions with pets at the humane society. Through direct experience, students will delve into phenomenology, animal psychology, and uncover how pets shape human perspectives on responsibility and social connections. By creating artistic reflections, participating in discussions, and presenting their findings, students will not only develop essential academic skills but also deepen their understanding of community involvement and personal identity through the lens of pet companionship.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of pet psychology and master competencies in pet care. They will cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills through innovative approaches to researching and reflecting on the history and role of pets in society. Learners will enhance their effective communication and collaboration abilities by co-designing projects and creating artistic reflections and profiles with peers and community partners. Through self-directed learning and feedback, students will refine their artistry and synthesize research into projects that explore the shifting dynamics of human-pet relationships.

Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.8.G.A.2 - Understand that a two-dimensional figure is congruent to another if the second can be obtained from the first by a sequence of rotations, reflections, and translations; given two congruent figures, describe a sequence that exhibits the congruence between them.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.5 - Understand that positive and negative numbers are used together to describe quantities having opposite directions or values (e.g., temperature above/below zero, elevation above/below sea level, credits/debits, positive/negative electric charge); use positive and negative numbers to represent quantities in real-world contexts, explaining the meaning of 0 in each situation.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.8.G.B.7 - Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to determine unknown side lengths in right triangles in real-world and mathematical problems in two and three dimensions.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.C.4 - Measure volumes by counting unit cubes, using cubic cm, cubic in, cubic ft, and improvised units.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.C.5 - Given a two-digit number, mentally find 10 more or 10 less than the number, without having to count; explain the reasoning used.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.A.3 - Apply the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.C.5 - Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.6.G.A.2 - Find the volume of a right rectangular prism with fractional edge lengths by packing it with unit cubes of the appropriate unit fraction edge lengths, and show that the volume is the same as would be found by multiplying the edge lengths of the prism. Apply the formulas V = l w h and V = b h to find volumes of right rectangular prisms with fractional edge lengths in the context of solving real-world and mathematical problems.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.A.2 - Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-APR.C.5 - (+) Know and apply the Binomial Theorem for the expansion of (x + y)^n in powers of x and y for a positive integer n, where x and y are any numbers, with coefficients determined for example by Pascal's Triangle.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.

Products

Students will create a personalized portrait that captures their experiences and observations with the pet they tracked, which reflects their emotional journey and understanding of animal psychology. They will develop a detailed timeline documenting the pet's journey at the humane society, remaining involved through a post-adoption check-in. Additionally, students will conduct a research paper exploring the historical and contemporary connections between humans and pets, emphasizing how these relationships shape social interactions and perceptions of responsibility and community involvement.

Launch

Kick off this learning experience with an interactive visit to the San Diego Humane Society, where students meet several adoptable pets and learn about the organization's mission. Engage students in a lively competition to create the most compelling adoption profiles for these animals, incorporating what they've learned about pet psychology and care from initial discussions. This immersive experience will set the stage for the project by fostering empathy, sparking curiosity, and instantly connecting students with their essential questions and community partner.

Exhibition

Students will host an exhibition at the San Diego Humane Society, showcasing their artistic portraits alongside interactive timelines of their paired pets' journeys, including post-adoption updates. This event will include live presentations where students will discuss their research papers and reflections on their evolving perspectives about responsibility and community involvement. The exhibition will also feature dynamic profiles crafted for the adoption competition, highlighting each pet’s unique personality and backstory. Peers, family, and community members will be invited to participate, offering a comprehensive view of the students' learning and fostering meaningful community engagement.