PET CARE DURING DIFFERENT SEASONS

GRADE 3

Joint Project by

Miami Dade County Public Schools

Office of Academics and Transformation Department of Science

and

Miami Dade County Animal Services

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA

Dr. Lawrence S. Feldman, Chair

Dr. Marta Pérez, Vice-Chair

Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall

Ms. Susie V. Castillo

Dr. Steve Gallon III

Ms. Perla Tabares Hantman

Dr. Martin Karp

Ms. Lubby Navarro

Ms. Mari Tere Rojas

Mr. Sebastian Lorenzo

Student Advisor

Mr. Alberto M. Carvalho Superintendent of Schools

Ms. Maria L. Izquierdo Chief Academic Officer

Office of Academics and Transformation

Ms. Lisette Alves Assistant Superintendent

Division of Academics

Mr. Cristian Carranza Administrative Director Division of Academics

Dr. Ava D. Rosales Executive Director

Department of Mathematics and Science

1

Taking Care of Pets During Different Seasons

Grade 3 Objectives

Students will identify plants and animals that live in various ecosystems and select a South Florida animal that can be kept as a pet to identify how they respond to different seasons and how it affects their survival. (Science)

Students will research and write a short paper about the selected pet on how they would take care of it to help it survive changing seasons in Florida. (Language Arts)

Students will present the findings of their research by creating a brochure, book, Power Point presentation, or Board (Discovery Education Board Builder).

Science Benchmarks Grade 3 SC.3.L.17.1 Describe how animals and plants respond to changing seasons.

A. Plants and animals, including humans, interact with and depend upon each other and their environment to satisfy their basic needs.

B. Both human activities and natural events can have major impacts on the environment. Writing Benchmarks Grade 3 LAFS.3.RI.3.7 Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur). LAFS.3.SL.1.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. LAFS.3.W.1.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. Background Information for Teachers Plants and animals respond to changes in the environment or seasonal change. They depend on physical features that help them keep safe, build homes, obtain food, and withstand weather. Animals migrate, some hibernate, and some grow or shed fur, hair, or feathers. Plants change in different seasons, some plants go dormant, or deep sleep, during winter, and some plants use sunlight, air, and water to make their own food. The plants’ and animals’ adaptation is a trait that helps them survive through changing seasons. Plants, animals and humans interact every day. In order to survive they must respond to seasonal changes in their environment. When people, especially children, have pets, they must consider the different ways in which these animals respond, in order to take care of them successfully. Sometimes, certain pets are not suited for certain climates and seasonal changes.

2

Pre-Activities

Help students identify all four seasons in a Temperate Climate: Spring, Summer, Fall/Autumn and Winter.

Show or have students illustrate different nature scenes of the different seasons.

Introduce students to plant and animal responses to seasons vocabulary in exhibit B

(Frayer Model).

Show students illustrations or videos of how animals respond and/or behave in different

seasons. (i.e. brown bear, turtles, etc.)

Introducing the Concept of Animal Care The following are tips on how to keep your pet safe and comfortable during different seasons: During the Winter Season, and anytime the weather is cold

Keep pets indoors and make sure they are safe and warm

Have plenty of food for your pet

Help neighborhood outdoor animals – contact local law enforcement agencies

Speak out if you see a pet left in the cold

During the Spring Season, and anytime it is wet outside and the weather is rainy

Daily exercise

Give your pets plenty of food and water

Towel dry your pet as soon as they come back inside

Make sure your pet has a warm spot to sleep

Keep pets indoors in order to stay dry During the Summer Season, and anytime the weather is hot

Cool or shady place to stay to prevent heatstroke

Plenty of water to prevent dehydration

Limit exercise on hot days

Know your vets’ emergency phone number Discuss with students that pets are unique and need special care. Students will select a pet to research in order to identify proper care for it. Use Pet Care Checklist as a guide (Exhibit E) Procedures Activity 1

Distribute Florida Animals and Plants list (Exhibit A) and have students work in groups of 4-5 students to select two Florida Animals or Plants of their choice (make sure every group has a different pair).

Students will then research the Florida Animals or Plants selected, and compare and contrast how they respond or behave during the different seasons. Choose one graphic organizer (Exhibit B) to organize information.

Give time for students to share their findings with the class.

3

Activity 2

Students will create a poster illustrating how plants and animals, selected in Activity 1, respond during South Florida’s wet and dry weather. Posters will be used in a gallery walk display. (Inside or outside of classroom). Use poster scoring rubric (exhibit C) as a guide.

Poster should include: Name of South Florida’s plant or animal Illustration, or drawing, of the plant or animal Describe the ecosystem it lives in and write three (3) facts about it. List responses or behaviors the South Florida’s plant or animal shows during each of

South Florida’s wet and dry weather conditions (from activity 1)

Activity 3

Select a pet to research and write a short paper describing appropriate care for it during the different seasons. (Identify basic needs of pets such as food, water, shelter, potty, grooming, health care, exercise, love, and affection)

Create a brochure, book, Power Point presentation, or Board (Discovery Education Board Builder) to present researched findings.

Discuss the need of animals during different seasons in order to take good care of them.

References Teaching Kids the Skill of Caring for Animals - (http://puppydogweb.com/articles/kidscaringforanimals.htm) (http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/family/pets/article7.html ) CPALMS: http://www.cpalms.org/Public/

Comparing Plants and Animals: http://floridastudents.org/

Plant Adaptations: http://www.mbgnet.net/bioplants/adapt.html

Animal Adaptations: http://tarheelreader.org/2010/02/22/animal-adaptations/

Discovery Education: http://www.discoveryeducation.com/

MDCPS Science Instructional Resources (Grade 3 Quarter 4 Big Idea 17: Interdependence)

http://science.dadeschools.net/elem/InstructionalResources/IR-3.html

EXHIBIT A

Activity 1: Florida Animals and Plants Be sure to select two so that you may compare and contrast your selected animals or plants. You can select two birds or one bird and one mammal or one reptile and one plant, any combination of two you would like.

Birds

Bald eagle American osprey Barn owl

Barred owl Wild turkey Belted kingfisher

Cormorant Indigo bunting Burrowing owl

Great egret Little blue heron Florida scrub jay

Anhinga Pileated woodpecker Swallow-tailed kite

Limpkin Red-shouldered hawk Turkey vulture

Wood stork Roseate spoonbill Green heron

Mammals

Nine-banded armadillo Florida panther Fox squirrel

Bobcat Big brown bat Marsh rabbit

Coyote Beaver Virginia opossum

River otter White-tailed deer Florida mouse

Bottle-nosed dolphin Southern flying squirrel Red fox

West Indian manatee Pocket gopher Short-tailed shrew

Star-nosed mole Florida black bear Feral pig

Invertebrates

Velvet ant Cicada Black and yellow garden spider

Phanaeus dung beetle Katydid Atlantic bay scallop

Green darner dragonfly Lubber grasshopper Eastern oyster

White peacock butterfly Mole cricket Variable coquina clam

Monarch Blue crab Florida tree snail

Zebra longwing Horseshoe crab Sea nettle

Florida walkingstick Spinybacked orbweaver Sea anemone

Amphibians & Reptiles

Ornate chorus frog Southern dusky salamander Broadhead skink

Barking treefrog Southern red salamander Florida scrub lizard

Oak toad Two-toed amphiuma (salamander) Green anole

Gopher frog Eastern diamondback rattlesnake Alligator

Eastern spadefoot toad Eastern indigo snake Gopher tortoise

Flatwoods salamander Eastern coral snake Atlantic green turtle

Striped newt Southern hognose snake Leatherback sea turtle

Plants

Longleaf pine Cabbage palm Hooded pitcherplant

Baldcypress Prickly pear cactus Yellow butterwort

Sand pine Saw-palmetto Resurrection fern

Live oak Fetter-bush Yellow jessamine

Pond apple Spanish moss Florida strangler fig

Pond cypress Florida strap airplant Water-lettuce

Eastern redcedar Gallberry Prairie iris

Florida’s Animals or Plants

Compare and Contrast (Venn Diagram)

SAME (ALIKE)

_____________________ _____________________

EXHIBIT B

Plant and Animal Response to Seasons

Vocabulary Sheet (Frayer Model) behavior adaptations seasons hibernation migration habitat environment changes

ecosystem leaves storage daylight survive respond

1. Definition:

2. Illustration:

3. Example: (synonyms, concrete applications,

or relevant characteristics)

4. 4. Non- Example: ( Antonyms, inappropriate

applications, non-characteristics)

Vocabulary Word:

EXHIBIT B

Florida’s Animals or Plants

Compare and Contrast

EXHIBIT C

South Florida Plants and Animals Poster Scoring Rubric

Criteria Excellent Job (4 points)

Good Job (3 points)

Getting There (2 points)

Nice Start! (1 point)

Content

Poster Includes all required elements and clearly communicates the message

All required elements are included on the poster and poster communicates the message

All but 1 of the required elements are included on the poster or poster does not clearly communicate the message

Some required elements are missing and poster does not clearly communicate the message

Mechanics Capitalization and punctuation are correct throughout the poster

There is 1 error in capitalization and punctuation

There are 2 errors in capitalization and punctuation

There are more than 2 errors in capitalization and punctuation

Design/Layout Layout, design, use of color, and use of space is very attractive and creative

Layout, design, use of color, and use of space is very attractive

Layout, design, use of color, and use of space is not attractive enough

Layout, design, use of color, and use of space is distracting

Use of Class Time Used time well during each class time, focused on getting the project done and never distracted others

Used time well during each class period, usually focused on getting the project done and never distracted others

Used some of the time well during each class period, some focus on getting the project done, but occasionally distracted others

Did not use class time to focus on project or often distracted others

Source: http://misswatsons2ndgradeclass.weebly.com/uploads/2/6/7/9/26796875/5557314_orig.jpg

Grading Scale: A = 15-16 points B = 13 -14 points C = 12 points D = 10 - 11 points F = 9 and below

EXHIBIT D

Pets Basic Needs All wild animals’ basic needs are met in their natural habitat, while pets depend on us for their basic needs. Most pets rely on us for the following: Food

Be sure you know the diet and feeding schedule of your new pet. Get information from your veterinarian.

Most animals need to be fed once or twice a day. Sometimes baby animals need to be fed more.

Don't ever give your pet table scraps -- people food (especially chocolate!) can make most animals sick.

Introduce changes to food or feeding time gradually -- food changes can be stressful for an animal.

Feed your pets in a quiet, protected place, so they feel safe and comfortable when they eat.

Caution: Remember never touch an animal while it is eating. Water

Make sure your pet has plenty of clean, fresh water.

Water should be changed at least twice a day.

If your pet is a fish or turtle and lives in water, be sure to clean the tank at least once a week.

Shelter

Your pet needs a place to call home -- whether that's a tank, cage, or doghouse.

If your dog or cat spends a lot of time outdoors, make sure shelter is available at all times. Shelter keeps pets protected from cold, wind, and rain in the winter and from the harsh hot sun in the summer.

Even if your pet spends most of the day outdoors, he should sleep indoors at night. This will protect him from cars, bad weather, and animals such as coyotes that will attack pets.

When it comes to shelter, remember that animals that are treated like part of the family are better-adjusted and will be more closely bonded to you. And after all, your pet IS part of your family, right?

Sanitation

All animals need a place where they can go to the bathroom. Unless you're able to train them to use the toilet, cats need a litter box, gerbils need a cage, and dogs need to go outside or in a special lined area.

Make sure you create a safe place for your pet's bathroom needs and -- this is REALLY important -- clean it regularly! After all, think about how gross it is to use a toilet that doesn't flush.

If you have a dog and live in an apartment with no yard, you need to make sure your dog is walked often. If he goes in a public place, be sure to pick it up and dump it in a trashcan.

EXHIBIT D

Exercise

Dogs need plenty of exercise. Physical activity keeps them healthy, happy, and fit. Make sure you walk, run, hike, or play fetch with your dog every day. Not only is exercise good for your pup, but it's good for you, too!

Cats, especially if they live indoors, also love some quality playtime with you. This is a chance to have fun and get creative with cool cat toys.

Rodents like hamsters and gerbils will thank you for putting an exercise wheel in their cage to make life a little more interesting.

Grooming

It's a good idea to brush and comb your pets every day to get rid of loose or shedding hair.

Poke around to check for fleas, ticks, leaves, and other things that might be tangled in your pet's fur.

If you can, bathe dogs once a month and cats every few months. But don't overdo it! Too many baths take away the natural oils from a pet's skin and can cause itching or rashes.

Cats will have fewer hairballs and shed less if they're combed on a regular basis.

If your pooch has killer doggie breath, try brushing his teeth when you bathe him. Remember only special doggie toothpaste should be used.

Health care

Just like we need annual checkups with our doctor and dentist, most pets need regular checkups, too.

Veterinarians, or animal doctors, check your pet's general health, can answer any questions you might have, and make sure your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date.

If you bring home a new dog or cat, you should take him to the vet right away to get checked out.

Love & affection

Just like people, pets thrive on attention! The more love you give, the more you'll get back.

Give your pet plenty of hugs, kisses, gentle pats, and love. Okay, so maybe you can't pet a fish, but you can still show you care by talking to it, watching it, and feeding it special treats.

EXHIBIT E

Name: _______________________________________ Grade: ______ Date: ________

Sample of Pet Care Checklist 1. I can care for a dog by:

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________ 2. I can care for a cat by:

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

3. I can care for a bird by:

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Federal and State Laws

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and

educational programs/activities and strives affirmatively to provide equal opportunity for all as required by:

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, or

national origin.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended - prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of

race, color, religion, gender, or national origin.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 - prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) as amended - prohibits discrimination on the basis of

age with respect to individuals who are at least 40.

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 as amended - prohibits gender discrimination in payment of wages to women and

men performing substantially equal work in the same establishment.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - prohibits discrimination against the disabled.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) - prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities

in employment, public service, public accommodations and telecommunications.

The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) - requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of

unpaid, job-protected leave to "eligible" employees for certain family and medical reasons.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 - prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of

pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

Florida Educational Equity Act (FEEA) - prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, national origin,

marital status, or handicap against a student or employee.

Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 - secures for all individuals within the state freedom from discrimination

because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status.

Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) - prohibits discrimination against

employees or applicants because of genetic information.

Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act of 2002 – no public school shall deny equal access to, or a fair

opportunity for groups to meet on school premises or in school facilities before or after school hours, or

discriminate against any group officially affiliated with Boy Scouts of America or any other youth or

community group listed in Title 36 (as a patriotic society).

Veterans are provided re-employment rights in accordance with P.L. 93-508 (Federal Law) and Section 295.07 (Florida Statutes), which stipulate categorical preferences for employment.

In Addition:

School Board Policies 1362, 3362, 4362, and 5517 - Prohibit harassment and/or discrimination against

students, employees, or applicants on the basis of sex, race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, marital

status, disability, genetic information, age, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, gender identification,

social and family background, linguistic preference, pregnancy, and any other legally prohibited basis.

Retaliation for engaging in a protected activity is also prohibited.

Revised: (07.14