KLEIN's
GUIDE TO
SCIENCE EDUCATION
PHOTO CREDIT: Nadene Klein at Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite National Park
This Perhaps as a science teacher this has happened to you...Students find an injured animal and bring it to. As the all knowing science teacher and perceived expert on everything, their eyes look to you to save the poor creature. Do you help? ABSOLUTELY and, you make a science lesson of it.
Two weeks ago a bunny that was approximately a month old (based on its level of development) was found caught in landscaping mesh near our school garden. Students first rushed my room during my plan time to borrow scissors and I didn't know why. Now I know they cut the mesh to be able to transport the bunny. When they brought her to me, she still had mesh looped around her arm several times and across her chest like a mini straight jacket. I dispatched students to get various supplies and Google relevant information. I held the bunny while a student carefully cut the mesh from her chest and then arm. Once she was completely free of the mesh, we could see a wound on her arm that was slightly bleeding. We treated the wound, got lettuce from our greenhouse, dechlorinated water for her, and assembled a makeshift habitat for her. One of these student rescuers breeds rabbits and lent her expertise to the mission. She and I traded off holding the bunny and both of us enjoyed some bunny kisses on our fingers. Within a couple of hours, the bunny was eating and drinking and seemed to be thriving. The next morning, she was barely breathing. She refused water and could barely lift her head. Before school even started, the rescue crew arrived to check on their new friend. They were devastated to see the bunny's condition. We quickly researched wildlife rescue services and found one within a half hour. Luckily my high school students can drive. They obtained permission from our principal for two of them to miss their first class to go to the rescue place. All of this translated into an impromptu biology lesson for the rescuing students. Further it became a more formal lesson for my Zoology class. We discussed each aspect of the situation. This included the humane treatment of animals, the reasons why this bunny could not become a class pet, and the protocol to assess the condition of a wounded animal and how to get it help. We are uncertain of the bunny's future, but at least we know we did all we could and that we did it correctly to save her life. This is an example of authentic learning and changing plans to take advantage of a teachable moment. Not a bad way to kick off a school year.
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AuthorNadene Klein, M.Ed. has been an educator for over 25 years. She brings a passion and love for science to the classroom and through this blog to you. Archives
March 2024
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