23 The Cat That Ate And Ate But Never Gained Weight!

Instructional Guide

The intention of the unit is to teach middle school students about hyperthyroidism and how it affects a cat’s gastrointestinal system.

Intended Grade Level

Middle school students grades 6-8. Students should have prior knowledge of the GI tract.

Student Learning Objectives

• Explain why a cat may eat a lot but still lose weight.
• Explain the importance of the thyroid.
• Describe the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Lesson Format

The lesson will take place in person within the classroom. Students will have 15 minutes at the beginning of class to read through a chapter on hyperthyroidism in cats. This will be followed by a 2:44 minute video.

Activity:

Students will be divided into groups with 3 students in each group. There will be pretzels placed at the center of the table. One student tries to put as many pretzels as he/she can into a bowl while the other two students try to take pretzels away as fast as they can and place them in another bowl. They will have 5 minutes to complete this activity. The activity demonstrates that in cats with hyperthyroidism their body is using up more than what they can consume.

Assessment

Each group will take turns explaining to the class what they have learned. Each of the students in the group will cover one of the learning objectives.

Resources

Students will need a laptop to read the lesson. The video will be played on a projector at the front of the class. The activity will take place at tables around the room and there will be a bag of pretzels and 2 bowls at each table.

Estimated Duration

This lesson should take a class session (50 minutes) to complete.

5 minutes to instruct students on the structure of the lesson.

10 minutes for students to read the chapter.

5 minutes to set up and watch the video.

10 minutes to divide into groups and complete the activity.

5 minutes to clean up after the activity and get all the students back in their seats.

15 minutes to go around the class and have each group explain what they have learned.

Outline

Cats have two thyroid glands in their neck these play important roles such as regulating metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disease that most commonly occurs in cats over 10 years of age. Enlargement of the thyroid gland causes an increase in production of the thyroid hormone. Increased production of the thyroid hormone increases the cat’s metabolic rate. A common symptom is weight loss as the animal is burning up calories faster than it can consume them. A good metaphor for this would be when your expenses outweigh your income. Other symptoms include a ravenous appetite, increased drinking, vomiting, and a poor hair coat.

Common Misconceptions and Challenge Points

It may be difficult for students to understand why an animal that is eating more is losing weight. The activity aims to to help students visualize the concept. Still, after the activity the instructor should explain how the activity relates to hyperthyroidism.