Dogs And Cats Of The World
Goal: Students will learn that all breeds of dogs and cats have an origin and history.
Grade Levels: 3rd–8th grade
The first St. Bernard dogs were bred near the Alps between Italy and Switzerland. The dogs were bred to rescue travelers trapped in snowy mountain conditions.
Time: 45 minutes
Audience Size: 5–25 students
Objectives:
- Students will learn the name of one dog or cat breed that comes from their favorite country/region.
- Students will give an example of how dogs or cats have helped people throughout history.
Materials:
- World map
- Internet or encyclopedia of dogs/cats
- Printer access
- Posters
- Markers
- Glue
- Paper
- Pencils
Introduction:
Every dog and cat originated somewhere in the world. Many of America’s popular dog and cat breeds actually came to be many years ago in regions all around the globe.
Procedure:
- Ask students to choose a country or global region that interests them.
- Instruct students as an individual or in small groups to research a dog or cat breed that came from their country of choice.
- Depending on age, ask children to design a poster with a image of the animal, the shape of the country, and the nation’s flag along with information on what the breed is known for in its country of origin. Alternatively, the students could write a paper showing where their breed originated, and why it was bred for certain features and behaviors.
Summary:
Display a large world map and allow each student to conduct a short presentation about the breed they researched. Have each student indicate on the map where the breed originated.
