Classroom Pets -- Pros and Cons

Mast Landing School held its Health Fair in April, and this unit was done with that in mind. It was all about staying healthy around pets, keeping pets healthy, and why certain pets are fine for a classroom setting and others are not.
Through research, discussion, and classroom visitors (human and non-human), the class learned about the desirable qualities of pets and about the needs of different pets. Their research covered our responsibilities toward our pets too. Students read the MLS pet policy of no fur, no feather and researched the health reasons for this policy.
Microscopes were brought out to take a close look at dander from different pets, bacteria, feather dust, and some other common allergens. A nurse from Mid-coast hospital visited to have the children learn about hand washing and germs.
Students' posters of their research and some pets were then on display at the Health Fair.