Classroom Visits

ing our humane education programs to your school or meeting site. Our classroom programs offer interactive presentations provided at your location. Each program is tailored to the audience’s age and interest, and can be customized to complement specific subjects. These presentations are available for groups of any kind, including schools, clubs, home school groups, and community organizations.

View our education brochure for more information, or see below for program topics.

Cost: $50 per program*
*Sliding scale fees are available for schools, based on the school's percentage of students eligible for free/reduced price lunch; please contact the education department at 763-489-2220 for more information.
Length of program: 45-60 minutes
Group size: up to 70 students
Programs can be scheduled back-to-back to accommodate larger groups.

Please note: while some programs include an appearance by a small animal companion, participants should not expect significant animal contact as part of these presentations.

For more information or to schedule a visit to your school, please call (763) 489-2220 or contact Education online.

Classroom Program Topics

The Good Kind Giant

Program level: Grades K–1
This storytelling program features a giant who acquires a pet boy, but doesn’t understand the needs of a human child. Through the story, students gain greater understanding of and compassion towards pets by learning about the importance of proper habitat and care.

Pet Responsibility

Program level: Grades 1-6
Happy and satisfying relationships between pets and pet owners occur only when the needs of both are met. This program emphasizes the tenets of responsible pet ownership including basic pet care. Pet overpopulation and the role of shelters are also discussed.

“Thank you again for that wonderful presentation regarding pet care. It was very informative and educational – I think it will stay with the girls for a long time.” -- Girl Scout troop leader

Animal Communication & Bite Prevention

Program level: Grades 1-6
Thousands of dog bites or other acts of animal aggression occur in our state each year. They range from an angry scratch from your own cat to a dog’s full scale attack on a small child and may result in much pain and, frequently, destruction of the pet. Many of these incidents could be avoided by teaching people of all ages some basic information about the many ways animals (and people) communicate their needs and emotions. By learning what to watch and listen for, we can handle animals with much greater safety and communicate with them more effectively.

Animal Classification

Program level: Grades 2-6
This program details why and how scientists classify animals, and focuses on the five vertebrate groups: birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. A key component of this popular program includes a student dress-up activity that highlights the major characteristics of each animal group.

Urban Wildlife

Program level: Grades 2-6
From rabbits and birds in our yards to deer and turtles in the parks, wild animals have adapted to life in and around the city. This program discusses humans’ role in animal habitat, and how (or whether) people should approach wild animals.

Endangered Species

Program level: Grades 3-12
What is an endangered species? This program explores the definition of “endangered,” what it means for an animal species to be at risk, why animals become endangered, and what we can do about it. This program features items from the Suitcase for Survival, a collection of poached and wildlife trade items that illustrate the role humans play in endangering animal species.

“Your examples of items made from poached animals fit right in with what we are currently studying about the causes of endangerment.” -- Teacher, Cedar Ridge Elementary, Eden Prairie

Animal Related Careers

Program level: Grades 7-12
Many young people are interested in a career working with animals, but they often need more information to guide them. This program answers many questions about a wide variety of careers in the animal field, including careers at an animal shelter.

Extend the learning experience by combining this program with a guided tour of an Animal Humane Society location.

The Link

Program level: Grades 9-12 and Adults
Research shows a strong connection between cruelty towards animals and interpersonal violence: people who are violent towards others often begin with abuse of animals, and where animals in a home are at risk, people often are, too. This program explores The Link and shows students what they can do to help break the cycle of violence.

“Your presentation was right on target – no easy task when dealing with high school students.” -- Teacher, Eden Prairie High School

Anti-Dogfighting Workshops

Program level: Grades 9-12 and Adults
Program length: 1.5-2 hours
Presented FREE with support from Target
Anti-Dogfighting Workshops use group dynamics to initiate a debate among students about their thoughts and experiences regarding dogfighting.  Each workshop includes five steps, leading students through a process of questioning, knowledge building, and discussion that ultimately requires them to take a stand on the issue.  AHS staff educators facilitate each workshop, helping students to examine the facts about dogfighting and understand the impact this kind of animal abuse can have on dogs, families, and communities.