EDUCATION FOR PET AND WILD ANIMAL AWARENESS

Abstract

The coexistence of humans and animals, established thousands of years ago, has brought many benefits, but can also resulted in serious problems as wild animal are endangered and pet overpopulation leaves many abandoned on the streets. This pet abandonment can cause risks to public health. This research aimed to increase fifth grade students’ awareness about the responsibility of keeping a pet, as well as the importance of protecting and conserving wild animals. This work was carried out by a group of students in Environmental Management at the Federal University of Pampa – Campus São Gabriel. These university students interacted with twelve students in the fifth grade class of a municipal public school in São Gabriel, Rio Grande Sul every fifteen days from July to September in 2015. Fifth graders were given three questionnaires and three lectures about pets and wild animals. Initially, in June, a questionnaire was applied with 15 multiple choice questions about domestic animal care, which the students answered in writing. Then, students were presented two lectures entitled: "First aid with pets" and "Pets Care" in June and July. After the second lecture, the same questionnaire was answered orally and in writing one month later in August. Also in July a third lecture was presented entitled "The importance of wild animals." In September, a questionnaire with 10 multiple choice questions about endangered wild animals was answered in writing. During the lectures students showed great interest and participation. The correct answers to the pets questionnaires showed an average of 63% when applied before the lectures, 100% when applied orally immediately after the second lecture, and 70% when applied in August. In the questionnaire about wildlife, students obtained 59% of correct answers on 10 questions, on average. These can be considered good results, since most of the students were able to understand the presented content. Students were noted to have great difficulty with some aspects of each questionnaire. Considering that all lectures were well received by all, this work is intended to continue, seeking new methodologies to achieving greater student learning. These lessons hope to result in thinking changes, greater awareness, and greater responsibility with animals and the environment.