After a lot of asking, Ms Thornton finally brought in her pets for middle school to meet. Although, they are quite unusual! On Thursday, two of Ms Thornton's pet rats came into middle school to meet the children. 

The day began with remembering our science from throughout the year - we worked out that rats were mammals with an omnivorous diet. Their adaptations told us that they were prey animals but that they were also good climbers and diggers. We learned about rodents and recapped what we know about teeth, learning that a rodent's teeth never stop growing!

We also considered points of view and biased opinions within our topic. History is often full of biases that can make sources unreliable - so what if the rats during the plague had their opinion heard? In a piece of writing, the children recounted events from the plague from the point of view of the rats. They learned that fleas were the true culprits and that the rats were also having a bad time during the great plague and black death!

Children had a try at using their art techniques learned throughout the year to draw rats 'accu-rat-ly'! By beginning with basic geometric shapes and building onto these, children were able to mimic the form of the animals more closely.

Of course, the children did get to meet the real rats as well. Everyone was very respectful of being quiet, careful and gentle with the little animals and made them feel very comfortable. We all got to stroke them and have one sit on our knee! The children thought of some great sensible questions and learned lots that they didn't know!

AnimMS120724