Mad scientist

Where to start: This writing exercise, which asks kids to express their opinion and be creative, will appeal to animal lovers and budding scientists. Start with a conversation about domestic animals (animals such as dogs, cats, horses, and sheep, that have been bred to live around humans) vs. wild animals (animals that have not been bred to be "tame" around humans). What makes a good pet? Does it need to be cuddly? Or do tarantulas and turtles make good pets? What if you could pick and choose the qualities yyou wanted in a pet?

Prompt: Imagine you’re a scientist combining the DNA from different animals to make yourself the perfect pet. Which animals would you combine, and why?

How to go deeper: Draw your pet and label some of its special qualities. (Use the back of this page to write.)