Pets in the Classroom is excited to announce a new collection of free, standards-based lesson plans focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). These plans integrate pets into classroom learning, enhancing education through interactive, hands-on experiences. Available on the Pets in the Classroom website, the user-friendly database allows teachers to filter by grade level, pet type, and subject area. The plans include core lessons and supplemental materials. Learn more about this exciting new resource in the press release below.

Pets in the Classroom Unveils Free Standards-Based Lesson Plans for Enhanced Learning

FOREST HILL, Md. — May 2, 2024 — Pets in the Classroom, an educational grant program that supports teachers in enhancing students’ educational and personal development through interaction with pets in their classrooms, is excited to announce the launch of its new collection of free, standards-based lesson plans. With a significant focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), this resource is crafted to enrich the educational experience by helping teachers integrate pets into their educational strategies, enhancing learning through interactive and hands-on experiences.

Now available on the Pets in the Classroom website, these lesson plans can be accessed through a user-friendly, searchable database. Educators can personalize their search to find lesson plans that meet specific needs using filters such as grade level, pet type, and subject area. Each plan is comprehensive, including not only the core lesson but also supplemental materials such as worksheets, video links, and presentations to enhance the educational journey.

The lesson plans have been developed and refined by Kathy Biernat, MS, an award-winning educator with over 18 years of direct teaching experience and 30 years in curriculum development. Ms. Biernat’s expertise is well-regarded for her emphasis on real-world applications and engagement with professional fields, providing students with authentic and engaging educational experiences.

Pets in the Classroom encourages educators to utilize these new resources and incorporate them into their curriculums. By incorporating pets into educational settings, teachers can enhance learning and engagement as well as emotional and social learning among students.

Pets in the Classroom is an educational grant program that provides financial support to Pre-Kindergarten through 9th grade teachers in both private and public schools to purchase and maintain small animals in the classroom. The Dogs in the Classroom program, in partnership with Pet Partners and other leading national therapy dog organizations, strives to bring well-trained and thoroughly screened therapy animal teams to schools in an effort to improve the health and well-being of students. The programs were established by the Pet Care Trust to provide children with an opportunity to interact with pets—an experience that can help to shape their lives for years to come.

For more information about Pets in the Classroom and to access the new, free lesson plans, please visit www.PetsintheClassroom.org.