The main objective of this unit is to make science accessible to busy primary teachers with limited science knowledge. It is designed as a guide to successful care of plants and animals in the classroom.
As a primary level teacher with limited time and knowledge of science I’ve decided to approach the subject by introducing plants and animals, very small ones, to my classroom. In addition to their learning value, I believe they will make an important contribution to the aesthetic quality of the room. Further, they will be the focus for developing a sense of responsibility in the children as they assume responsibility for their care. As many students come from homes where they experience little nurturing themselves, I especially hope to stimulate those feelings in the children as they care for the plants and animals. By observing, doing and concluding, the students will learn how plants grow, how some animals live and about the interdependency of plants and animals. The visual richness and complexity of the aquarium and terrariums, self contained communities, provide many more opportunities for learning through observation and hands-on activities.
My unit objectives will be met by developing three ecosystems, an aquarium, a terrarium and a vivarium. Rabbits, guinea pigs and the like strike me as both limiting and overwhelming. Personally, I have concerns about the lessons we inadvertently teach when we have caged animals in the classroom. When we assume the care of an animal we must remember that they are dependent on us. We should ask ourselves whether we want to create a prison or a home for them. Consider the difference between putting two goldfish in a glass bowl devoid of plants and creating an ecosystem, a sophisticated, complex, natural environment. Animals are best kept under the supervision of a responsible adult so they do not fall prey to mishap. Animals that die for lack of proper care provide a lesson better not learned.
The time needed to complete the unit will be determined by the teacher and students as they gain confidence and are ready to move to the next challenge. Rushing is not recommended. Doing your homework up front will bring rewards, a manageable and successful science curriculum with healthy plants and animals.
