Classroom Programs and Workshops

Bring 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, homeschool groups, and community organizations.

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

Cost: $50 per program
*Sliding scale fee discounts 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 (unless otherwise indicated)

Programs can be scheduled back-to-back to accommodate larger groups.
Repeat programs on the same day at the same location are $40 each.

NEW!  Create Your Own Program Package
Schedule 3 different programs for your group and save 20%!  Bring AHS programs back to your classroom throughout the year for a deeper learning experience.  Packages can include any three classroom programs scheduled for the same group of students.

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

Please note: The primary goal of our classroom programs is to provide engaging content that educates students about issues related to animal welfare.  While some programs include an appearance by a small animal companion, participants should not expect significant animal contact as part of these presentations.

Classroom Program Topics

The Good Kind Giant

Program level: Grades K–1
Required setup: Classroom presentation space with small table for presenter's materials
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 I

Program level: Grades 1-3
Required setup: Classroom presentation space with small table for presenter's materials
Happy and satisfying relationships between pets and pet owners occur only when the needs of both are met. This program introduces students to the nine basic needs of pets, using a variety of pet care items to demonstrate each need. 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 1-5
Required setup: Classroom presentation space with small table for presenter's materials
Thousands of dog bites or other acts of animal aggression occur in our state each year.  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
Required setup: Classroom presentation space with room for student participation; small table for presenter's materials
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
Required setup: Classroom presentation space; small table for presenter's materials; DVD player
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.

NEW!
CSI: On the Trail of a Lost Dog

Program level: Grades 3-5
Maximum group size: 60 students
Required setup: Students seated at tables or clusters in groups of up to 8
The police department has asked your class to help solve a mystery!  A dog is missing and student detectives will use forensic investigation techniques (hair and fingerprint analysis) to determine which suspect is guilty, followed by discussion about how the theft could have been prevented.

Endangered Species

Program level: Grades 3-12
Required setup: Classroom presentation space; small table for presenter's materials; screen for PowerPoint presentation
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

NEW!
Pet Responsibility II

Program level: Grades 4-12
Required setup: Classroom presentation space; screen for PowerPoint presentation
In this program, pet responsibility concepts are presented in workshop format for older students.  Through discussion and small group interaction, students learn about the care, training, and medical needs of pets; myths and facts regarding pets; local laws and ordinances regarding pet ownership; and what pet owners must do to be responsible community members.

Animal Related Careers

Program level: Grades 5-12
Required setup: Classroom presentation space; screen for PowerPoint presentation
This program helps students explore a variety of animal-related careers, including the veterinary field, shelter careers, animal behavior, and more.  Students will discuss the benefits and challenges of these careers and learn more about the training and education required to pursue them.

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

NEW!
Pet University

Program level: Grades 5-12
Maximum group size: 50 students
Workshop fee: $80
Program length: 1.5-2 hours
Required setup: A large room with five tables for activity stations
This new program is a unique and interactive workshop.  Students attending Pet University will explore a series of hands-on activity stations that reinforce concepts in pet care and animal welfare.  Topics include:

• Veterinary care: study animal x-rays and parasite specimens
• Pet Consumer: calculate the costs of owning a pet
• Grooming: practice simulated grooming and learn how grooming impacts health
• Pet Communication & Perception: experience how animals see, smell, and communicate
• Animal Cruelty: learn about animal hoarding, neglect, dogfighting, and inhumane breeding

The Link

Program level: Grades 9-12 and Adults
Required setup: Classroom presentation space
Researchhas shown that people who abuse animals are far more likely to commit violent crimes against people.  In domestic violence situations, abusing pets is a damaging and terrifying way for a batterer to control, intimidate, and hurt other members of the family.  In this program, students will learn more about The Link and how awareness of this issue is helping law enforcement and social service agencies protect both animals and humans from further violence.

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

Anti-Dogfighting Workshop

Program level: Grades 9-12 and Adults
Program fee: FREE! presented with support from Target
Program length: 1.5 hours
Required setup: Classroom presentation space; screen for PowerPoint presentation
The Anti-Dogfighting Workshop uses group dynamics to initiate conversation and 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.