
Presentations By Grade
Calgary Humane Society Presentations
We believe that all children and youth deserve the opportunity for humane education programming. Our in-class animal presentations for schools are customized for the age groups receiving the presentation, ensuring every class gets age-appropriate information.
We can deliver these presentations in-class, online via Zoom, or during a field trip to Calgary Humane Society. If you are looking for more information, or want to ask about funding support, please contact our Humane Education Department at humane.education@calgaryhumane.ca or (403) 205-4455 ext 6544.
Not only are our classroom programs available as “Pay What You Can” we believe that all children and youth deserve the opportunity for Humane Education programming. Contact us for further information about subsidized programming and bussing for your classroom.
Fully Booked for 2022/2023 School Year!
Educational Presentations
Below are each of our available presentations, including a Curriculum Connection document covering the ways in which these presentations are connected with learning outcomes for Alberta schools. If you would like more information about a course, contact us at humane.education@calgaryhumane.ca.
Presentations By Grade
My Pet and Me—Friends for Life
Kindergarten – Grade 2
Students discover the importance of providing necessary care for their pets through empathy building activities. By showing students engaging flashcards and reading a touching story of a CHS dog, we evoke the similarities between human and animal emotions, behaviours, and needs. We also discuss what pets need to be healthy and happy during our interactive activity. We conclude with a dog safety exercise, including information about dog bite prevention.
This presentation is designed for students age five and older.
Themes Covered:
- Empathy
- Needs of Animals
- Safety
- Social and Emotional Literacy
- Community Involvement
- Responsibility
- Humane Treatment of Animals
- Compassion
- Animal Welfare
Curriculum Connections: My Pet and Me
Presentations By Grade
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 examines 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.
Themes Covered:
- 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
Curriculum Connections: Reptiles and Amphibians
Presentations By Grade
“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. 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.
Themes Covered:
- Conservation
- Citizenship
- Compassion
- Respect
- Global and Community Responsibility
- Wildlife Hazards
- Safety
- Community Involvement
- Web of Life
- Human Ecological Impacts
Curriculum Connections: Urbanization and Wildlife
Presentations By Grade
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 aggressive behaviour. This interactive, empathy building program includes real case studies and group activities which allow students to express their opinions, practice negotiation strategies, consider different perspectives, and perceive abuse from the viewpoint of the victim. We also discuss the importance of recognizing and reporting all forms of abuse and distribute contact numbers of local service agencies.
Themes Covered:
- Conflict Resolution
- Inclusion
- Empathy
- Personal Responsibility
- Bystander Roles
- Healthy Relationships
- Caring Communities
- Compassion
- Respect
- Tolerance
- Courage to Speak Up
- Cycle of Violence
Curriculum Connections: Bullying Pets and Peers
Presentations By Grade
Animal Protection—Police for Pets
Grade 6 – 8
Students discover that there are laws dealing with animals at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government. Using recent and 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).
Themes Covered:
- Law Creation and Modification
- Law Enforcement
- Levels of Government
- Respect
- Compassion
- Community Involvement
- Responsible Pet Ownership
- Legal System
- Citizenship
Curriculum Connections: Animal Protection—Police for Pets
Presentations By Grade
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.
Themes Covered:
- Conservation
- Citizenship
- Compassion
- Respect
- Global and Community Responsibility
- Wildlife Hazards
- Safety
- Community Involvement
- Web of Life
- Human Ecological Impacts
Curriculum Connections: Urbanization and Wildlife
Presentations By Grade
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.
Themes Covered:
- 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)
Curriculum Connections: Bullying Pets and People
Presentations By Grade
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.
Themes Covered:
- Volunteerism
- Career Paths
- Career and Life Management
- Interest Development
- Future Planning
- Entrepreneurship
- Realistic Job Expectations
- Interest Mapping
Curriculum Connections: Careers with Animals
Presentations By Grade
The Link
Grade 10 – 12
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.
Themes Covered:
- 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
Curriculum Connections: The Link