Humane Education Programs K-12
All of our humane education programs can be presented either in the classroom as a 30-45 minute presentation or at the Marin Humane Society as a 90-minute presentation. All programs can be tailored to fit your educational goals. Many are already keyed to the California State Science, Math, and Social Studies frameworks. Programs are lead by volunteer docents and their trained animal ambassadors.
Suggested donation (not required) is $20 per class. Alternatively, students can coordinate a community service project to benefit the animals. We have a wish list where you can find some ideas.
Kindergarten – 3rd grade: “Playing It Safe With Dogs” (45 minutes)
Short video followed by a Q&A session on acting safely around dogs. Each student will get the opportunity to practice safely meeting a dog.
Pre-school – 1st grade: “Sharing Sam” (30 minutes)
A felt board presentation tells the story of a stray dog being found, brought to the shelter, and adopted. The basic needs of pets and how similar they are to ours will be emphasized and an opportunity for each student to practice safely meeting a dog.
Kindergarten: "The Five Senses" (30 minutes)
A presentation about our senses through interactive material. The dog’s senses are compared to the child’s and the dog demonstrates some of their senses. Each student will have an opportunity to practice safely meeting a dog.
1st grade: “Animal Care” (30 minutes)
An interactive lesson with visual of needs that compares the dogs’ needs with the students. How these needs are similar and different is explained as well as how students can help their families provide proper care to companion animals. Each student will have an opportunity to practice safely meeting a dog.
2nd grade: "Animal Heroes" (30 minutes)
Defines a hero and how we all can be heroes for animals, while focusing on people who work to help animals. Discusses ways children can become animal heroes. Each student will have an opportunity to practice safely meeting a dog.
3rd grade: "Dogs Breeds" (45 minutes)
A Power Point presentation about the variety of dog breeds and a discussion on domestication. Examining the behavior and physical traits of different breeds and mixes with a focus on choosing appropriate pets for specific lifestyles. Each student will have an opportunity to practice safely meeting a dog.
4th grade: "Living with Our Wild Neighbors" (45 minutes)
An introduction to wild animals that share our community, how we can coexist and how we can help them. Including a discussion about differences between wild and domestic animals, and the prey/predator relationship in the wild. Each student will have an opportunity to practice safely meeting a dog.
5th grade: “Scat!” (45 minutes)
A Power Point presentation that includes an in-depth study of the digestive systems of humans and dogs. Followed by a discussion of scat, the end product of digestion. What is the value in studying scat? Each student will have an opportunity to practice safely meeting a dog.
2nd – 5th grade: “Humane Officer Visit” (30 minutes)
Meet a Marin Humane Society humane officer and learn all about their work in the community. They will share rescue stories and show off their unique equipment with a truck tour.
6th - 12th grade
For our older students we have animal service clubs that meet twice a month on campus. Animal Care Club is for Middle School students and Roots & Shoots is for high school students.
For more information, or to schedule a program, call 415.506.6288. Don't see what you need? Ask about developing a specific program just for you!
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A tour of the Marin Humane Society gives students a first-hand look at compassion in action! They will learn about the needs of animals and the enormous amount of time and resources required to meet those needs. At the shelter, children will learn all about the work of the humane society and take a walk around the campus. They will meet animals up close and see our staff and volunteers working to help animals and our community. Tours last 60 minutes; an introduction to MHS programs is given prior to the tour.
We also provide tours for:
- Students who have performed an approved independent community service project or school report
- Adult groups
- Specially designed tours for scouts
For more information or to schedule a tour, call 415.506.6288.
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We have teaching kits that cover a wide range of topics (endangered species, horses, cats, dogs, rainforest creatures, etc.) that are available for a one-month loan period. Our education center includes a research library that is open to teachers and students alike. The library features animal-related books, magazines, videos, and online resources. We can assist teachers with curriculum development utilizing these resources.
We also recommend the following online resources:
Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education
Animal Welfare Online (lesson plan database)
Humane Society of the United States (KIND News/Humane lesson plans)
National Service-Learning Clearinghouse
For more information, call 415.506.6288.
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Don't see what you need? Ask about developing a specific program just for you!