Education & Youth
Presentations
My Pet and Me— Friends for Life
Kindergarten to Grade 2
Designed for students aged 5+
Through storytelling, students learn about how to approach a stranger’s dog, they then have the opportunity to practice what they learned by petting our ‘pet’ dog Max (the Humane Education Mascot). Followed by a flashcard activity where we discuss human and animal body language; through this activity, we evoke the similarities between animal and human emotions, behaviours, and needs. This program wraps up with another interactive activity where the students tell our presenter and what we would need to adopt an animal.
Our facilitator guides the discussion to make sure the kids understand what animals need to be healthy and happy, and they have an opportunity to ask questions throughout.
Curriculum Connections: My Pet and Me
- Empathy
- Needs of animals
- Safety
- Social and emotional literacy
- Community involvement
- Responsibility
- Humane treatment of animals
- Compassion
- Animal welfare
Furry Friends in the Classroom
Kindergarten to Grade 12
Wednesdays, and Fridays only. (If you accidentally book this presentation on another day, a member of the humane education team will be in contact to reschedule).
We bring part of the Humane Society to you! A special furry friend will visit your classroom along with our Humane Education Facilitators. The facilitators will teach your class about the history of Calgary Humane Society, the community helpers that work within the Humane Society, and the path that an animal takes through the shelter. They will also discuss the specifics about the animal visitor, what their needs are, and some fun facts about them. Your students will learn about safely interacting with animals, reading an animal’s body language and will be able to meet an adorable adoptable animal!
Curriculum Connections: Furry Friends in the Classroom
- Empathy and compassion for animals
- Needs of animals
- Humane treatment of animals
- Safety when interacting with animals
- Community helpers
- Responsibility
- Animal welfare
Pawsitive Change Makers
Kindergarten – Grade 6
On-Site Only
Your students will learn about Calgary Humane Society and the inner workings of a shelter. We will discuss how animals come to CHS, the journey the animals have through the shelter into adoptions, and the staff and volunteer roles that all support and care for the animals. Your students will have a hands-on activity that will help the animals in the shelter. Their task will be dependent on what is needed at the shelter at that time. Some examples of tasks include; creating animal enrichment toys, adoption posters, thank you cards, laundry folding competitions and reading to our animals who are waiting for their forever home!
Curriculum Connections: Pawsitive Change Makers
- Responsibility and Volunteerism
- Animal Welfare
- Community Helpers
- Empathy and Compassion for animals
- Safety when interacting with animals
Bunnies 101
Kindergarten – Grade 6
Ever wonder the difference between a pet rabbit and the rabbits you see outside? Do rabbits really like carrots? Why do rabbits make such wonderful companion animals? In this presentation you will learn all about the wonderful world of companion bunnies at CHS! We will talk about the proper pet care needed for rabbits, how to interact and read their body language and emotions, the difference between domestic and wild rabbits, and more! Your students will also create a bunny themed craft. If you are attending a Field Trip at CHS, your students will also have the opportunity to visit an adoptable bunny to practice their learning.
Curriculum Connections: Bunnies 101
- Domestic vs wild animals
- Proper pet care
- Empathy and compassion for animals
- Safety when interacting with animals
Feline Friends
Kindergarten – Grade 6
Everything kitty related! Your students will take a deep dive into how cats show their emotions and communicate with humans. We will discuss everything a cat needs to thrive in a home, proper pet care, and will discuss should cats wander outside? Your students will make a cat themed craft. During a Field Trip students will also visit with one of our Feline Friends to practice reading the cat’s body language and have the opportunity to safely interact in a way that the cat will enjoy as well!
Curriculum Connections: Feline Friends
- Proper Pet Care
- Empathy and Compassion for animals
- Safety when interacting with animals
CHS Champions – Fundraising Preparation
Kindergarten – Grade 12
Are your students looking for a way to engage with the community and help in the world of Animal Welfare? Would you like tips and tricks on how to organize a Fundraiser for Calgary Humane? We will come visit your students at your school or host you at Calgary Humane to help your students learn about fundraising. Your students will collaborate and work together to create a fundraiser that can be done at your school. They will gain a deeper understanding of how their efforts will positively impact our animals.
Curriculum Connections: CHS Champions, Fundraising Preparation
- Philanthropy and community involvement
- Responsibility and volunteerism
- Animal welfare
- Empathy and compassion for animals
Reptiles and Amphibians
Grade 3 and Grade 5
With the recent popularity of reptiles and amphibians in the pet trade, it is important that both adults and children understand the ins and outs of exotic animal ownership and care. This program educates students on the difference between wild and domestic animals, showcases the various reptiles and amphibians found in Alberta, and explores popular reptiles in the pet trade today. We take a look at the needs of these unique creatures and some of the conservation efforts and laws that are out there to protect the wild populations.
Curriculum Connections: Reptiles and Amphibians
- Life cycles
- Wetlands
- Wild vs. domestic animals
- Conservation
- Respect
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Exotic Pets
- Human ecological impacts
- Native vs. invasive species
- Exotic animal care and ownership
- Needs of exotic animals
“Don’t Feed The Bears!”: Human Impacts on Wildlife
Grade 3 – 6
What really happens when you feed wild animals? Examine what happens when humans and wildlife collide. Using case studies and engaging activities, students explore the needs of living things and learn about the importance of acting humanely towards all living creatures, both wild and domestic. We explore the 3 R’s of animal welfare: Respect, Rights and Responsibility. Various issues will be discussed with an emphasis on co-existing with wildlife in urban areas.
Curriculum Connections: “Don’t Feed The Bears!” Human Impacts On Wildlife
- Conservation
- Citizenship
- Compassion
- Respect
- Global and community responsibility
- Wildlife hazards
- Safety
- Community involvement
- Web of life
- Human ecological impacts
How to Speak Dog
Grade 3 – 6
Have you ever wondered what your dog is thinking? Well in this presentation, your class will be introduced to the in-depth world of reading a dog’s body language. We will discuss how to properly introduce yourself to a dog, ways to interact and how to respond to the cue’s a dog is giving you about their emotions. During a Field Trip your class will visit with a social dog (or other furry creature, depending on availability) and will be able to practice reading dog body language and safe interactions. Your class will also create a dog themed craft or enrichment item for our resident dogs at CHS.
Curriculum Connections: How To Speak Dog
- Empathy and compassion for animals
- Safety when interacting with animals
- Proper pet care
- Animal welfare
Bullying: Pets and Peers
Grade 4 – 6
Students will discover the many similarities between bullying and animal cruelty by comparing the motivations and causes behind abusive behaviour. This interactive, empathy building program includes real case studies and group activities which allow students to express their opinions, consider different perspectives, and the importance of recognizing and reporting all forms of abuse.
Curriculum Connections: Bullying Pets And Peers
- Conflict resolution
- Inclusion
- Empathy
- Personal responsibility
- Bystander roles
- Healthy relationships
- Caring communities
- Compassion
- Respect
- Tolerance
- Courage to speak up
- Cycle of violence
Animal Protection— Police for Pets
Grade 6 – 8
Students discover the laws that deal with animals at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government. Using detailed case studies, students will gain a full understanding of how CHS investigates and prosecutes against cases of animal abuse, cruelty and neglect. Students will examine how to determine different types of animal abuse and what to do if they suspect an animal is suffering. Through closely inspecting the legislation protecting animals, students will be given the opportunity to discuss what they think works and what changes they would love to see in the future. We will also discuss the Calgary Humane Society’s role in animal protection and the 3 R’s of animal welfare (respect, rights, and responsibility).
Curriculum Connections: Animal Protection—Police For Pets
- Law Creation and Modification
- Law Enforcement
- Levels of Government
- Respect
- Compassion
- Community Involvement
- Responsible Pet Ownership
- Legal System
- Citizenship
Urbanization and Wildlife
Grade 7 – 9
What happens when humans invade wild spaces? Is there really such a thing as “nuisance” wildlife? Examine what happens when humans and wild animals collide. “Respect, Rights, and Responsibility,” are the 3 R’s of animal welfare. Using case studies and engaging activities, students explore the needs of living things and learn about the importance of acting humanely towards all living creatures, both wild and domestic. Various issues will be discussed with an emphasis on co-existing with wildlife in urban areas.
Curriculum Connections: Urbanization and Wildlife
- Conservation
- Citizenship
- Compassion
- Respect
- Global and Community Responsibility
- Wildlife Hazards
- Safety
- Community Involvement
- Web of Life
- Human Ecological Impacts
Bullying— Pets and People
Grade 7 – 9
In this interactive empathy building program, students learn about the connection between bullying and animal cruelty. The discussion begins with animal welfare and transitions to human violence as students begin to relate the examples given to bullying and other societal concerns. By evaluating scenarios of abusive behaviour in a group activity, students discover that views on abuse can vary substantially and that they have the power to create an atmosphere of acceptance in their school, home, and community.
Curriculum Connections: Bullying Pets And People
- Healthy Relationships
- Empathy
- Cycle of Violence
- Ethics
- Connection Between Animal and Human Violence
- Respect
- Community Action
- Personal Value Judgements (Discovering, Challenging and Developing)
- Abuse Awareness (Animal, Family and Relationships)
Careers with Animals
Grade 7 – 12
Students will discover that there are many avenues to fulfill a dream of working with animals. This presentation explores the different careers available and volunteer opportunities that young people can pursue at the Calgary Humane Society as well as touching on other professions in animal welfare.
Curriculum Connections: Careers with Animals
- Volunteerism
- Career Paths
- Career and Life Management
- Interest Development
- Future Planning
- Entrepreneurship
- Realistic Job Expectations
- Interest Mapping
Leadership Initiative
Grade 7 – 12
On-Site Only
The Humane Education Leadership Initiative (HELI) experience is a group opportunity for Junior and Senior High school leadership classes, youth in after-school clubs, CTF/CTS courses, and sports teams. We can accommodate small to medium groups.
Groups will be able to experience hands-on supportive tasks at Calgary’s only open-admission animal shelter! Our experienced Humane Education team will work with you to build an itinerary that is suitable for the age level of your youth and addresses one of the shelter’s current needs.
Curriculum Connections: Leadership Initiative
- Career and Life Management
- Animal Husbandry and Care
- Interest Development
- Realistic Job Expectations
The Link
Grade 10 – 12
On-Site Only
People who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans. This program examines the connection between human violence and animal cruelty. We explore the cycle of violence including school violence, dating violence, domestic abuse, animal cruelty, and organized crime (dogfighting). Students will learn how to recognize, respond, and report cases of abuse and will receive information on how to contact social services agencies in Calgary. This empowering and interactive presentation includes case studies from the Calgary Humane Society and a group activity.
Curriculum Connections: The Link
Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
- Social Responsibility
- Warning Signs
- Healthy Relationships
- Violence Prevention
- Consequences
- Reporting Violence
- Cycle of Violence
- Bullying
- Family Violence
- Help and Resources
- Empowering Youth to Speak Out
- Connection of Human and Animal Violence