Learning Objectives
Students will make anatomical comparisons between humans and dogs.
Grade Level
Grades 9-12
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Practices Addressed
- Asking Questions and Defining Problems
- Developing and Using Models
- Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
- Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- High School Specific: Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms. HS-LS1-2
Materials Needed
- Human-Dog Comparison Sheet
- Access to internet-enabled devices (computer lab, laptop carts, personal phones, etc.)
- 100-200 Balloons of different colors and sizes (Amount depends on size and number student groups)
- 4×8 foot sections of bulletin board paper (1 per student group)
- 100-200 Rubber bands (Amount depends on size of and number of student groups)
- Tape (packaging or clear)
- Plastic tubing (if available, not necessary)
- Colored pencils
Lesson
Prior to the Lesson
- Ensure that you’ve collected materials far enough in advance. You may choose to ask parents to donate items.
- This lesson should be done after ample instruction has been given on human anatomy.
Introduction
- Explain to students that today we will be using what we know about human anatomy in order to compare it to the anatomy of a dog.
Explicit Instruction/Teacher Modeling
- Place students in groups of 2-4.
- Pass out the accompanying worksheet.
Independent Working Time
- Have students work in groups to complete the sheet and activities.
Review and Closing
- When finished, allow students to share.
- Encourage students with dogs at home to practice judging dentition to their dog’s “breed standard” and share their results.
References
A Bit of Bites: Judging Canine Dentition. (2015, September 10). Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/content/dog-training/articles/bites-judging-canine-dentition/
Canine Anatomy Test (A). (2010). Retrieved from https://images.akc.org/pdf/judges/Anatomy_Exam.pdf