Having animals in the classroom lets students get to know them first-hand. Hamsters, mice and fish all work well as classroom pets because they have relatively simple requirements and can live in a small cage or aquarium. Before getting a classroom pet, have students research the food, habitat and care that it will need. The students can set up the animal's new home, feed it, care for it and keep an observation journal about its behavior. These tasks teach responsibility and also give the students insight into the animal's daily life.
Visiting a farm gives students a chance to experience a world far different from the urban or suburban lifestyles many of them are used to. Even big cities often have farms within driving distance, and taking a day trip to one is something the students will never forget. Have the students do research beforehand into the types of animals that will be at the farm, farming techniques and food production. If the farmer agrees, the kids might also be able to do a few chores.
Doing reports, creating posters or putting together presentations about animals are all opportunities for students to do in-depth research into the lives and habits of animals. Assign each student a different animal and allow several weeks for research. Consider assigning specific topics, such as "The Effects of Global Warming on the Habitat of Polar Bears," which will provide guidance and context as the students gather information about the animal. Animal reports and presentations are educational both for the student doing the research and for the class as a whole.
A day at the zoo exposes students to a variety of animals, providing them with insight into habitats, conservation efforts and animal behavior. Make the day even more productive than a typical zoo visit by putting together a scavenger hunt for the students, giving them clues about different animals, such as "I'm a swimming mammal who lives in Florida's Everglades," or "I am venomous and travel sideways." The students will enjoy discovering facts about the animals while getting to spend the day exploring the zoo.