Would you like to know more about the next generation science standards or NGSS? Do you find yourself wonder what these new standards are all about? Below, I list three websites, with a major pro or con, which will assist you in navigating your way through the NGSS!1....

Every wonder what the big difference is between mimicry and camouflage?  Want to find out what a skittledopper is? Do you just have to know why sharks store oil in their livers?  These are just some of the many questions answered in the Animal Adaptation Teacher Professional Development...

With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner we often prepare our homes for friends and family, begin preparing meals or take off for a much needed vacation. However you spend your holiday, don't forget to plan for your pets and animals that live in the classroom. Make sure that...

The Companion Animal Community of Practice is pleased to announce 4-H photo and video contest. These contests provide a venue for 4-H members across the nation to express their love of companion animals and demonstrate their photography and video skills. Eligibility: Contest is...

Most winters will bring snow, ice and unfortunately freezing temperatures. During this season it is of the utmost importance to ensure your classroom pets do not become hypothermic. If taking them home is not an option, below is a list of things you can do to make sure they remain happy, healthy...

Many educators enjoy introducing animals into their classrooms for show and tell, as class pets or teaching tools. While animals bring fun and engaging opportunities for students, many schools are shying away from this once common practice due to accidents, zoonotic diseases and allergens. It is...

Although there have only been a fewcases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) formerlyknown as Ebola hemorrhagic feverin the United States we remain on red alert when it comes to the disease. While the virus was thought to initially be transmitted byfruit bats (the natural Ebola virus hosts) it has also...

Did you know that you can obtain an Illinois wildlife mammal resources trunk at no charge for at least two weeks to use in your classroom.  The trunks usually include animal pelts, skulls, tracks and books to show to your students.  They are fun to use and the students are always...

Ages 4-8Weather you hate to see summer go or not the inevitable has happened and fall is upon us.  With the change in weather comes a change of all things around us including trees.  You can use the leaves that fall from the trees for a lot more than making piles, why not...

As discussed previously, there may be students in the class that are allergic to animal dander, urine and saliva. This generally limits the types of classroom pets supported by many schools. The best types of classroom pets are those that don't have hair or fur, shed dander, or produce excrement...

The main job of a laboratory animal veterinarian is to ensure that animals used in research are treated humanely. They usually work in a research environment for biomedical research firms or pharmaceutical development companies. They provide medical care for the animals involved in research....

Science proves that at a very young age children begin to touch things to learn about them.  Sensory bins are a great way for toddlers and some older children to learn more about the world around them through the use of their senses.  The bins can provide tactile interaction, visual...

Veterinary technicians are essential to the smooth running of a clinic.  Upon visiting a veterinary clinic a vet before you speak with a veterinarian, you will most likely speak with the technician.  Veterinary technicians are comparable to nurses in human medicine.  They have the...

If you enjoy making dogs and cats look their best, maybe the job of a pet groomer is for you! Many groomers own their own salons and are able to set their own hours; groomers are also housed within veterinary clinics, unless they opt to work for a large store chain. Many times groomers work on...

Do you often find yourself wanting to know why animals do the things they do? Maybe an animal behavior specialists the career for you! Their main goal is to evaluate and study animals behavior to determine what causes typical actions.  People that choose this career can work with a variety of...

Being a clinical veterinarian requires a lot of schooling but comes with many rewards, especially if you want to work with 'exotic' pets.  If you love working with lizards, small mammals, birds and other small pets and have a desire to help them through quality preventative care, surgery and...

This summer we have incorporated many new educational opportunities for teachers in our professional development series! One workshop added to the annual repertoire was teaching outside the box. Educators were able to venture outside to discover new ways of developing lesson plans that will allow...