Exploring Animal Care

Last Friday, the Hoot Owls proudly shared the culmination of their two-month-long Pets Project, inviting families and community members to celebrate their hard work. This project blended research, fieldwork, creativity, and expert guidance as students explored what it means to responsibly care for a wide range of pets.

The learning journey began with each student selecting a pet to focus on—either a dream pet or one they already have at home. As they learned more about different animals, the Hoot Owls designed and built homes for their chosen pets. They drew inspiration from books, videos, classroom experts, and their own imaginations to create thoughtful and detailed habitats.

A highlight of the project was a Spider Hunt. After learning about spiders, students ventured outdoors with Observational Notebooks in hand. Like true scientists, they sketched what they observed and took note of the spiders’ natural environments. These observations helped them better understand what spiders need to thrive.

The class also dove into learning about fish as pets. Students discovered that fish care is more complex than it first appears. They examined cleaning tools, water test kits, and a special bucket used only for tank maintenance. Conversations about the role of light in supporting aquatic plants sparked thoughtful questions—such as why fish don’t sleep with pillows! This curiosity inspired the creation of a life-sized fish tank representation to help students visualize a fish’s natural environment and daily needs.

As the culmination approached, the Hoot Owls worked diligently to ensure guests felt welcomed. They carefully wrote and decorated invitations for families and friends. Inside the classroom, they helped plan the layout of all their project representations—no small task given the limited space. They worked together to problem-solve, make signs, organize materials, and prepare the room for visitors.

Their excitement and pride were evident as they shared their learning with the community. The Pets Project not only strengthened their understanding of animal care but also fostered creativity, curiosity, and collaboration—skills they will carry into future explorations.