Animal Shelter Business Development Simulation (Gifted 3-5)

This activity set was designed for use in a third through fifth grade gifted resource room. Students research, design, and plan for an animal shelter to house 10 dogs that are randomly assigned. Using these dogs students:

<>complete a research matrix on common dog breeds.

<>design a "blueprint" for the animal shelter using graph paper, measurements, and requirements. (Because this is usually the first simulation I use each year, the measurements are kept to squares.)

<>figure the area of each different part of the shelter and use this information to figure the building cost.

<>use online research to find the annual salary of pet-related jobs and figure the yearly and monthly costs of paying salaries.

<>"shop" online to buy a month's supply of food and treats for the animals in their shelter. (Includes finding a percent off.)

<>figure the total monthly and yearly operating costs and create a pie graph to show monthly percentages.

<>Extension activities: create a pamphlet for new dog owners; design a business card; setup a schedule for volunteers at the shelter.

This activity also works well to supplement a longer study on dog breeds or pets.