Classroom Programs

Innovative Humane Education Programs for K-12 Classrooms

Our Humane Education Department provides animal related, grade-specific programs that are designed to meet South Carolina learning standards.

Each presentation includes hands-on learning activities and follow-up exercises.

Download a summary of our programs. (To print a double sided copy of our program summary, under properties choose double sided booklet, and landscape.)

To contact the Humane Education department about any of our classroom programs, call 864-583-4805, ext. 113 or e-mail us your question

Preview our line-up of classroom programs:

These Are the Ways We Love Our Cats - Kindergarten

A friendly puppet and a simple song help students learn about cat care routines at home and in animal shelters.  Time: 30 minutes

SC Learning Standards:

• ELA: K-6.1, 6.4, 6.5

• Science: K-2

• Social Studies: K-2, 4

• Visual/Performing Arts: Music: K-1, Singing

• Character Education

Oh Where, Oh Where, Is My Little Dog's Bowl? - Grade 1

Students work together to identify the needs of a felt dog named Sam. A fun song helps to reinforce the basics of dog care.  Time: 45 minutes

SC Learning Standards:

• ELA: 1 - 6.5

• Visual/Performing Arts: Music: 1-1, Singing

• Character Education

Play It SAFE! - Grade 2

Students are challenged to consider if different activities are SAFE or UNSAFE for pets. The song  "Love, Love, Love Your Pet,"  reinforces each concept.  Time: 45 minutes

SC Learning Standards:

• ELA: 2-2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.10, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5

• Science: 2-2

• Visual/Performing Arts: Music: 2-1, Singing

• Character Education

Adding Up Pet Populations - Grade 3

This program explores the mathematics of pet populations. After an introduction to spay/neuter surgery, a powerful tool used to control overpopulation,students perform a mock spay surgery on a stuffed model. Time: 1 hour

SC Learning Standards:

• Math: 3-1, 2

• Character Education

R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y -Grade 4

After learning about the responsibilities of pet ownership, students will test their knowledge with a thought exercise. Will Carey, who has just visited the local humane society, have the time and money to adopt a dog based on her weekly babysitting schedule?  Time: 1 hour

SC Learning Standards:

• ELA: 4-1.7, 2.4, 4
• Math: 4-1, 2
• Character Education

Whodunit? Mystery Theatre - Grade 5

Role-playing and math are both used to engage students in a discussion about the common ways that pets end up at animal shelters and how individuals can control pet overpopulation. Time: 1 hour

SC Learning Standards:

• Math: 5-1, 3
• Character Education

It All Adds Up - Grade 6

Students calculate the potential number of offspring from one unspayed female cat in one year. Creating a bar chart, students track the number of cats that came in to the shelter over 12 months. A wrap-up discussion focuses on how communities can combat pet overpopulation. Time: 1 hour

SC Learning Standards:

• ELA: 6-2, 5, 6
• Math: 6-1, 6
• Character Education

Diagnose It! - Grade 7

Students are introduced to zoonoses by matching their "symptoms" to different diseases passed from animals to people.  Time: 1 hour

SC Learning Standards:

• Science: 7-3.4
• Health/Safety Education: Content Area: 1.1, 2, 3, 6
• Character Education

Reading the Numbers - Grade 7

Shelter statistics are examined to reveal animal welfare issues in the community. Students are challenged to consider how to respond to these issues. Time: 1 hour

SC Learning Standards:

• ELA: 7-2.1, 2.4
  
• Social Studies: 7-7.7
• Math: 7-1.7, 6.1
  
• Character Education

Read the Label - Grade 8

This activity will challenge students to compare different types of foods for nutritional content and decide which is best for different dogs and cats. The importance of nutrition and exercise for pets and people is also discussed.  Time: 1 hour

SC Learning Standards:

• Math: 8-1, 2, 3
• Health/Safety Education: Content Areas: 1.2, 3 & 2.1, 3
• Character Education

Crime Scene Investigations - Grades 6 - 8

In "The Case of the Missing Dog", students uncover key issues about being a responsible pet owner as they use fingerprint and hair analysis to assist Officer Beasley in his search for a dog named Sam.  Time: 1 hour

SC Learning Standards:

• ELA: 6.2, 7.1, 8.1, 2
• Social Studies: 7.7
• Science: 6.1, 7.1, 8.1
• Character Education

Pet Economics - Grade 9

In this activity, students learn about the basic supplies necessary for responsible pet care while participating in a budgeting exercise based on set income and expenses.  Time:  1 hour

SC Learning Standards:

• Math:  EA-1
• Economics:  1, 4
• Character Education

Be a C.R.I.T.I.C. - Grade 11

Using the C.R.I.T.I.C. method (Claim, Role of Claimant, Information backing the claim, Test, Independent verification, Conclusion), students will be asked to analyze advertising and promotional materials about issues relating to pets and pet welfare. Time: 1 hour

SC Learning Standards:

• ELA:  E3-2
• Health/Safety Education: Content Areas: 1.2, 6 & 2.1, 2, 4
• Character Education

Crime Scene Investigation - Grades 9 - 12

In "What's Buggin You?" students use forensic entomology to investigate a suspected case of pet neglect involving a dog named Brad. Students will also brainstorm outreach messages about meeting pets’ needs.  Time: 1 hour

SC Learning Standards:

• ELA: E1, E2, E3, E4-3.1, 4, 5, 6
• Science: PS-1, B-1
• Character Education

Crime Scene Investigation - Grades 9 -12

In "Which Dog Was It?" bite mark analysis helps to introduce students to the complexities of a pet dog bite case, including the dangers of tethering. Students will consider ways to educate communities about dog bite prevention. Time: 1 1/2 hours

SC Learning Standards:

• ELA: E1, E2, E3, E4-3.1, 4, 5, 6
• Science: PS-1, 4.8, B-1
• Health/Safety Education: Content Areas: 1.4, 5, 7, & 4.1
• Character Education