Canine Calculations

In these activities, pupils will practice their adding, subtraction and multiplication of numbers, and analyse data to find the answers while exploring the costs involved in owning a dog.

In the optional activites, pupils practise their data analysis and Venn diagram skills as they investigate what is safe for dogs to eat and how much different dogs should eat to be happy and healthy.

Activity 1 - Pupils use the ‘Vet’s price list’ (can be shared in pairs) to answer a series of questions about the cost of caring for a dog.

Activity 2 - Pupils use the ‘Doggy items price list’ (can be shared in pairs) to locate answers and calculate the cost of things that dogs need.

Activity 3 - The Jones family have adopted Lulu. Pupils answer five questions about how much it has cost the family, and how much they saved on vet bills and basic items by adopting Lulu from Dogs Trust.

Activities 2 and 3 are for use with older and/or more able pupils, or could be used as a paired, group or whole class activity.

Activity 4 - Pupils sort different foods and drinks into a Venn diagram showing which are safe and unsafe for dogs to eat, and what can be eaten safely by both dogs and humans. Pupils are also asked to think about what a dog owner can do to stop their dog eating something that could be dangerous for them.

Activity 5 - Pupils analyse the table of data looking at dog size, weight and activity levels to determine how much food they should be eating per day and per meal. Pupils are asked to think about the consequences of not feeding a dog the correct amount, and especially what happens if an owner feeds them too much.