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KS2: Animal and Farm Hygiene

In this lesson plan, students play an interactive memory card game to highlight the similarities between human and animal health, and why animal hygiene is so important.

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Learning objectives

All students will:

  • Understand that what you do to help your pet be healthy is the same as what you need to do for yourself
  • Understand that, just like us, animals should only take antibiotics if necessary and it is important to finish the course
  • Understand that harmful microbes can be found on the farm and that these microbes can spread to humans
  • Understand that by washing our hands and following some basic rules we can reduce the chance of picking up an infection on the farm

Most students will:

  • Understand that some microbes can be transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa

Background Information

Both people and animals carry microbes. Useful microbes, such as those that live in an animal’s gut contribute to keeping them in good health, while harmful microbes can make them ill, just like humans.

Certain microbes can be transmitted from animals to people and vice versa and result in infections, this is called zoonoses. Some infections are restricted to animals, but lead to illness or death. When our pets get an infection, their immune system can help them control the infection without requiring any treatment. When our pets are sick, we must take them to the vet. If the infection requires antibiotic treatment, just like humans, it is important to follow the prescription carefully.

In this lesson plan, students learn that harmful microbes can spread from animal to animal, and from animal to human. They learn that there are a lot of similarities between animal and human health, which is why it is so important to practice good animal hygiene and health practices.

Activities

Main activity:
  • Memory Game
Main Activity video
Extension activities:
  • Animal Quiz
  • Poster
  • Farm Fun Game

Curriculum links

PHSE/RHSE:

  • Health and prevention

Science:

  • Working scientifically
  • Living things and their habitats
  • Animals, including humans

English:

  • Reading and comprehension
  • Spoken language

Supporting Materials

Teacher sheets
KS2 Animal and Farm Hygiene Teacher Guidance
Student worksheets
SW1 Animal Hygiene Quiz
Student handouts
SH1 Memory Game Handouts