Class Pet Classroom Activity

Transcription

1 Class Pet Classroom Activity The Classroom Activity introduces students to the context of a performance task, so they are not disadvantaged in demonstrating the skills the task intends to assess. Contextual elements include: an understanding of the setting or situation in which the task is placed, potentially unfamiliar concepts that are associated with the scenario, and key terms or vocabulary students will need to understand in order to meaningfully engage with and complete the performance task. The Classroom Activity is also intended to generate student interest in further exploration of the key idea(s). The Classroom Activity should be easy to implement with clear instructions. Please read through the entire Classroom Activity before beginning the activity with students to ensure any classroom preparation can be completed in advance. Resources Needed: Each student should have access to a piece of paper and writing tool 1 Some method of displaying images 2 Whiteboard or some manner of recording student responses Learning Goal: The student will understand the context of the key ideas related to the topic: o Caring for a pet The student will understand the following vocabulary: o Cage: a box made of wire or metal bars in which animals are housed 1 Students who need an accommodation may use their preferred tool for writing. 2 Instead of displaying Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the last two pages of this document can be used as a handout for students.

2 Class Pet Classroom Activity [Purpose: The facilitator s goal is to help students understand what is necessary to care for a classroom pet.] Facilitator says: Today we will get ready for the Class Pet Performance Task. This task is about what a class needs to do to care for a classroom pet. Facilitator says: Let s start by talking about different animals people keep as pets. Can you name any? [Allow student responses.] Facilitator says: What are some things that good pet owners do to take care of their pets? [Allow for student responses. If no students respond, provide the following examples. For example, we should feed them every day, exercise them, and take them to the vet when they are sick.] Facilitator says: Some animals that people keep as pets at home cannot be kept in a classroom, like dogs or cats. For our task, we are going to discuss caring for animals that could be in the classroom. Facilitator says: What are some animals that would be good to have as a classroom pet? [List student responses. If students do not mention guinea pigs, parakeets, or turtles, the facilitator should introduce them as possible pets.] Facilitator says: What are the things that are needed to provide good care for a classroom pet? [List student responses. If students do not mention food or housing, the facilitator should introduce them.] Facilitator says: Small animals typically live in cages. Who can describe what a cage is? [Allow for student responses. If no response, let students know that a cage is a box made of wire or metal bars in which animals are housed.] Facilitator says: Different animals like to eat different foods. Birds like to eat bird seed. Other animals like to eat feed pellets or a pellet mixture. Almost all classroom pets like to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. [Show resource pictures for food.]

3 Figure 1. Birdseed [Picture Description: The picture shows a pile of seeds used for feeding birds.] Figure 2. Feed Pellets [Picture Description: The picture shows feed pellets in the shape of small tubes. The feed pellets are made from grass and have a lot of different nutrients in it. These pellets are used for feeding rabbits, turtles, and fish.] Figure 3. Pellet Mixture [Picture Description: The picture shows a pile of pellet mixture. This pellet mixture is a blend of pellets, vegetables, fruits, grains, and hay. This pellet mixture is used for feeding hamsters and gerbils.]

4 Figure 4. Fruits and Vegetables [Picture Description: The picture shows whole fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables seem like treats for animals but they give animals a lot of nutrition.] Facilitator says: Just like there is responsibility in owning your own pet, a class pet would need the same type of care. How could we make sure our class pet is cared for? [Students might mention how classroom jobs or class responsibilities are currently assigned within the class or the facilitator can mention that we could assign students to specific jobs each week.] Facilitator says: We know we need to give our pet food and water each day. How would we know how much food and water our pet needs? [Allow time for student responses. Facilitator can mention to look up a guideline or ask an expert or the teacher could tell the class the correct amounts.] Possible class discussion questions (unscripted): What are some benefits to having a classroom pet? What are some disadvantages to having a classroom pet? [No resolution is needed for these questions. Questions are to increase student interest and to promote discussion regarding the topic.] Facilitator says: Today, we completed an activity about classroom pets. These ideas may help you when you complete your performance task. Facilitator says: Does anyone have any questions? [Allow time for student questions.] Facilitator says: You are now ready for the Class Pet Performance Task.

5 Resource Document Figure 1. Birdseed [Picture Description: The picture shows a pile of seeds used for feeding birds.] Figure 2. Feed Pellets [Picture Description: The picture shows feed pellets in the shape of small tubes. The feed pellets are made from grass and have a lot of different nutrients in it. These pellets are used for feeding rabbits, turtles, and fish.] Figure 3. Pellet Mixture

6 [Picture Description: The picture shows a pile of pellet mixture. This pellet mixture is a blend of pellets, vegetables, fruits, grains, and hay. This pellet mixture is used for feeding hamsters and gerbils.] Figure 4. Fruits and Vegetables [Picture Description: The picture shows whole fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables seem like treats for animals but they give animals a lot of nutrition.]