Introductory Programs

• The Circle of Compassion
  - 6th grade to adult

  This presentation examines the growth of social justice movements. Students get a look at the parallels and differences between these past movements and the current efforts to increase protection for animals. By providing a unique opportunity for students to examine our culture's assumptions about the nature and worth of various species, we consider how personal actions and attitudes can be a daily affirmation of compassion towards all. This lesson can complement your classroom’s social studies, history, humanities, ethics, sociology, language arts, family consumer science or health units.

• Beyond Violence
  - 9th grade to adult

  See what people like Albert Einstein, Gandhi and Mother Theresa have had to say about it: how we treat animals influences how we treat each other. Psychologists and the FBI are showing that people who are cruel to animals are more likely to be violent towards people. The opposite is also true. The more we flex our compassionate muscles the stronger they get. Explore how our relationship with animals can either create a more empathetic society or keep us mired in violence. Add this lesson to your social studies, language arts, history, sociology, humanities, or ethics class.

• Environmental Ethics
  - 9th grade to adult

  A look at the environmental impacts of modern animal agriculture. This presentation brings information into focus on a local level and with a short video spoof of the popular movie The Matrix, it's an entertaining introduction on the topic. Everyone’s participation is needed while we examine the impact our food choices have on climate change and other environmental issues. An exploration of how our attitudes and actions impact the natural world around us. This lesson fits well with food preparation, food safety, health, family consumer science, or sociology classes.

ISSUE SPECIFIC PROGRAMS

• Our Food, Our World
  - 9th grade to adult

  Delve into an important part of everyone's daily lives – food! This is an opportunity to think critically and explore the differences between a factory farm and a family farm. With some classroom participation, negative stereotypes are challenged and students are put to the test to get more involved as we discover the impact our food choices have on our bodies, animals, and our planet. This is a good addition to sociology, ethics, food preparation and health classes as well as, family consumer science.

• Science, Ethics and Animal Experimentation
  - 9th grade to adult

  Enhance your science units through this lesson with a surprising look at the use of animals in cosmetic testing, classroom dissection and more. Did you know there is a law in Minnesota that requires animal shelters to "relinquish animals to research facilities upon request"? The Animal Welfare Act is designed to protect animals in laboratories. Do you know which three animals are excluded and why? We'll discover the answers to these questions and many more as we take a stark look at the ethical, scientific, and public health issues surrounding the use of animals in science.

• Lions, Tigers, & Bears: A Program on Animals in Entertainment
  - 6th grade to adult

  How are performing animals acquired? How are they trained to perform on queue for every show? What are their lifestyles like when they are not in the spotlight? How does it compare to their natural environment and instincts? Learn the answers to these thought-provoking questions and many others pertaining to current public opinion and legislation around the world. An inside look at circuses, traveling acts, and rodeos. A great lesson for social studies, language arts or any classes discussing animals.

• Chimps, Gorillas, and Orangutans: Great Apes in Our Midst
  - 6th grade to adult

  Our closest living relatives, the great apes, can use sign language, appreciate humor, create art, and mourn the dead. Students will see it for themselves with Koko, a Gorilla who communicates through sign language and understands spoken English. With lots of classroom participation we learn about the lives of apes through the recent discoveries of primate experts Jane Goodall, Roger and Deborah Fouts, and Francine Patterson, as well as the threats these magnificent animals still face. This lesson fits well with a geography, science, or language arts class.