Where Did My Socks Go?

Instructional Guide

Learners will be exploring possible items that could cause an obstruction and what happens next in their dogs. The lesson will include a brief presentation followed by interactive activities and a short knowledge check.

Intended Grade Level

6th-8th grade students should have a general understanding of canine gastrointestinal anatomy and be able to explain the cause and effect of an obstruction.

Learning objectives

• Students will be able to describe general canine gastrointestinal anatomy.
• Students will be able to identify common items that could cause obstruction.
• Students will be able to explain the effects an obstruction can have on a dog.
• Students will be able to identify treatments for an obstruction.

Lesson Format

There is a presentation at the beginning that includes all the information the students need to know, then there are two activities to be completed either individually or in groups, and finally the knowledge check will be completed individually at the end. The materials can be accessed through the students’ text that is shared online or printed out if needed. Activities require a computer and the student’s choice of device to take notes.

• First students go through the presentation about canine gastrointestinal anatomy and obstructions. This can be projected onto a large screen if multiple students want to go through it together. (~30 minutes)
• Next, students will participate in the small group activity and the individual activity. (~15 minutes)
• The knowledge check will be done individually once students have completed the activities. (5 minutes)

Lesson Background

All of the information needed to answer questions and complete this lesson is included in the presentation provided. There is an additional notes sheet attached below that has more information that will be helpful but is not necessary for the students to know for this lesson.

Instructor Sheet Notes

Student Notes:

Activities

In the first activity students should find the blank diagram provided in their text (below) and use it to fill out the correct anatomical information of a dog. Students should attempt to fill in the blanks without looking at their notes. Once everyone has completed this, the instructor should go over the correct answers using the answer key provided below.

Anatomy diagram:

Click here to download the diagram

Anatomy diagram answer key:

Small Group/Individual Activity: Matching Game

In this activity students will attempt to correctly decide which of the items are digestible or non-digestible.

Common misconceptions and challenge points

• Make sure students understand that if a dog eats something they should not, it won’t always result in an obstruction. The object may pass on its own or the dog may vomit the object up.
• Make sure students understand that symptoms may or not be present with an obstruction, and that every dog may act differently.
• Make sure students understand that if they see these symptoms it doesn’t necessarily mean the dog has an obstruction, there could be something else wrong and the dog should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Assessment

Have students take this assessment individually without using their notes to assess where they are in their learning. An answer key is provided below.

Answer Key- Bolded terms are the correct answers