This curriculum is designed to stimulate students' interest in animal communication by presenting them with various examples of how and why animals communicate. To relate this concept, students will attend a special animal presentation as well as take part in an activity, which will help them to understand how animals communicate. This workshop has both pre- and/or post-visit classroom activities which can be adjusted for the appropriate age level. These activities are designed to enhance each student's knowledge of the topic to be covered.
Being able to communicate is very important for us as human beings. We communicate in order to express our basic needs such as asking for a drink of water when thirsty, relate emotions of happiness or sadness, and even express specific plans or goals. Although animals don't have comparatively complex methods of communications (such as a written language), they still communicate amongst themselves and to humans. The goal of this activity is to compare and contrast human and animal communication.
Students will brainstorm ways in which they communicate to their family, friends, teachers, and even pets. They must provide specific examples of ways they personally communicate. This may be through language, or non-verbal behaviors such as waving or art forms such as poetry or music. Have students write down at least 3 examples of ways they themselves communicate.
Ask students to think of examples of how animals communicate to humans and to each other. Animals communicate through scent, vocalizations, movement, and through contact with other animals. Make sure each category is represented and understood by the students. Have students list at least 3 ways animals communicate to us as humans and to themselves.
As soon as students have compiled both lists, have them compare and contrast their personal communication needs with those of animals. Encourage group discussion.
Lesson: Divide students into groups of four. Each member will smell the four canisters without opening the lid to guess what is inside. Gather the groups together and reveal the scent in each canister
To give students the opportunity to experience body language communication first-hand while relating this experience to animal communication.
Lesson Preparation: Gather reference material about body language as a means of communication in either humans or animals. Pictures of animals using body language to communicate would be very helpful.
Teachers Guided Questions:
How do humans use body language to communicate?
Would waving good-bye be considered using body language?
How effective is body language as a means of communication?
How is sign-language effective in communicating needs and desires?
Lesson: Have students use body language to communicate the emotions of sadness, fear, surprise, happiness, disgust, and hunger in front of the class. These emotions will be expressed without speaking. Have students guess what emotions are being conveyed. These emotions can be expressed with gestures and basic body language. Ask students to give examples of how and why animals might communicate these emotions.
Language Arts D: Understands the nature of language
LA.D.2.1.1 Content Standard
Understands that word choices can shape ideas, feelings, and actions.
Science G: How living things interact with their environment
SC.G.1.2.2 Content Standard:
Knows that living things compete in a climatic region with other living things and that structural adaptations make them fit for an environment.
