Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“A Healthy Habitat”

In this creative activity, students will research an animal with specific traits and habitat requirements that would make it a difficult or impossible pet. By thinking critically about the animal’s behaviors and necessary accommodations, students will determine reasons to keep the animal in its intended environment.

Imagine that you, like Mr. Popper, must consider sharing a household with a wild animal. Research this animal’s habitat, behaviors, and needs, then analyze the arrangements and adjustments that would be needed to keep the pet safe and content in a household environment. Consider the difficulties that may arise for the animal (and the people in the household), and thinking critically, list reasons this animal should remain in its natural habitat.

Create a media presentation to describe the animal, its typical life in the wild, and the accommodations that would be needed for life in a household. Share the reasons you’ve determined for keeping the animal in its natural habitat. Use these steps to complete the activity:

• Select an unusual animal and imagine keeping it in a household environment.