Should wild animals perform in circus shows? Short scheme of work for KS2. Born Free Foundation.

A short unit of work designed for Key Stage 2 on wild animals performing in circuses. Each lesson is planned to take an hour, although there are plenty of opportunities to shorten or lengthen activities. This topic has many cross-curricular links, with strong links to the Science, English, Geography, SMSC and Citizenship curriculums.

Lesson 1. Animal Adaptations

• To describe how different organisms are adapted to their environment
• To explain why organisms succeed best in their own natural environments

Lesson 2. A day in the life of a tiger

• To compare the life of a tiger in the wild with one in a circus
• To write a diary entry entitled ‘A day in the life of a tiger’.

Lesson 3. Should all wild animals in circuses be banned?

• To understand the arguments for and against banning wild animals in circuses
• To form an opinion
• To write a persuasive letter.

Context:
Globally, thousands of wild animals are used in circuses and forced to perform demeaning and unnatural tricks to entertain the public. The welfare of both domesticated and wild animals are often severely compromised in a circus environment.

Born Free is wholly opposed to the use of wild animals in circuses and considers the practice to be unethical. There is overwhelming evidence of compromised animal welfare in the circus environment.

Born Free works across the UK and Europe to bring an end to the use of wild animals in circuses and supports international campaign partners in their efforts. Where possible, Born Free rescues animals from appalling conditions in circuses. Over the years we have rescued and rehomed several big cats from circuses in France, Bulgaria, Italy and Germany. We provide them with high standard lifetime care in sanctuaries. However, these are the lucky ones.

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