Teacher Tuesday: Flora and Fauna

Mrs. Leith added a new unit to her Horticulture program!

This semester, in response to student interest and the inability to be outside or in the greenhouse during December and January, Mrs. Leith introduced the students to small animal care. 

Mr. Jeff Magnus, the owner of Aquatic Specialty Group, has already visited the class to teach the students about the care of fish. He showed the students how to set up an aquarium and then added four guppies from Venezuela and four Pristella Tetras from Brazil. He’ll be back this Thursday with Corydoras Catfish, Dwarf Bristlenose Plecos and Swordtails. An interesting mix of freshwater tropical fish for the students to study!

In the second semester, a hamster and rabbit will join the students in the classroom.

In the small animal care unit, the Horticulture class will study the following:

Introduction to small animal care-

·         Domestication of animals

·         Small animal industry

·         Safety

·         Choosing a pet

·         Animal rights

·         Careers in small animal care

Fish, Hamsters, Rabbits, Dogs and Cats-

·         History

·         Groups/Breeds

·         Anatomy

·         Feeding/Exercising

·         Care/Handling

·         Housing/Equipment/Supplies

·         Diseases

How do the students feel about this new unit?

“I’m really looking forward to learning about small animals. I really like animals.” ~ Daniela

“I’m interested in pet illnesses to better help them with their health.” ~ Joe

“I think it is a good addition to learn about animals and their behaviors.” ~ Donovan

“I think it is a good subject. It gives us another option for internships – plants and animals… farms and pet stores.” ~ Sean

They give it a green thumb’s up!

 

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