Children's Education
The goal of the Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education is to educate people of all ages about pet health topics. Although not all children have animal companions at home, all will encounter animals in their lives. Our Children’s Education page is a central resource for teachers and caregivers who wish to encourage young learners to explore topics in veterinary medicine, animal science, and responsible pet ownership.
In addition to the resources below, the Usdan Institute hosts outreach programs to students and community groups of all ages. Email us to organize an in-person or virtual visit with your organization.
Activity Worksheets
Fun activity worksheets that can be printed out at home.
Children’s Educational Resources
This educational resources series explores different topics in animal science and veterinary medicine. Each resource also includes ideas for fun, at-home activities for you and your child.
All About Kittens
Crazy about kittens? Learn some feline fun facts and dream up your own kitten companion using the blank template on our activity sheet!
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All About Puppies
Crazy about puppies? Learn some canine fun facts and dream up your own puppy companion using the blank template on our activity sheet!
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Animal Diversity: Amphibians
How can a veterinarian tell if an animal is an amphibian and how is it possible that they can live on land and in the water? Don’t forget to check out our activity page which includes ideas for amphibian costumes and a toad abode craft!
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Animal Diversity: Basics
A resource for young animal lovers to learn about different types of animals and their unique characteristics!
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Animal Diversity: Birds
How can a veterinarian tell if an animal is a bird and what are the different feathers and beaks that birds can have? Don’t forget to check out our activity page which includes ideas for bird costumes and a DIY bird feeder!
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Animal Diversity: Fish
How can a veterinarian tell if an animal is a fish and what adaptations do they have that allows them to live underwater? Don’t forget to check out our activity page which includes ideas for fish costumes and a fun DIY fishing game you can do at home!
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Animal Diversity: Invertebrates
What are the different types of invertebrates and what makes their bodies different from other types of animals? Don’t forget to check out our activity page which includes ideas for invertebrate costumes and fun crafts like a DIY jellyfish and seashell necklaces!
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Animal Diversity: Mammals
How can a veterinarian tell if an animal is a mammal and what are the different types of mammals? Don’t forget to check out our activity page which includes ideas for mammal costumes and mammal track art!
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Animal Diversity: Reptiles
How can a veterinarian tell if an animal is a reptile and why are their scales so important? Don’t forget to check out our activity page which includes ideas for reptile costumes and scale art!
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Dog Bite Prevention
This resource teaches both children and caregivers how to prevent dog bites by reviewing dog body language, demonstrating how to approach dogs in a safe manner, and listing the Do’s and Don’ts when interacting with a dog.
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Domestic Animals
Veterinarians not only take care of cats and dogs, but a wide variety of animals as well! Learn about different types of domestic animals and the role they play in people’s lives.
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How Animals Feel
Explore the different behaviors and emotions of cats and dogs while practicing empathy-building skills through fun, at-home activities!
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How to Become a Veterinarian
Learn what you can do to help you on your journey to becoming a veterinarian!
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How to Take Care of a Pet
A resource for young animal lovers to learn about what is needed to take care of a pet!
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Veterinary Specialty: Behavior
Explore the field of veterinary behavior and learn common cat and dog body language as well as a scientific activity for tracking animal behavior called an ethogram!
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Veterinary Specialty: Cardiology
Explore the field of veterinary cardiology and learn about the different types of technologies used to diagnose heart conditions!
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Veterinary Specialty: Dentistry
Explore the field of veterinary dentistry, a specialty which focuses on treating diseases and conditions that affect the teeth and gums, while having fun with our at-home dental cleaning activity!
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Veterinary Specialty: Dermatology
Explore the field of veterinary dermatology and learn what makes animals itchy, as well as fun activity ideas all about body coverings that you can do at home!
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Veterinary Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Explore the field of veterinary emergency medicine & critical care and its role in our animals’ welfare!
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Veterinary Specialty: Internal Medicine
Explore the field of veterinary internal medicine and learn about the various organ systems in animals while making your very own animal anatomy board!
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Veterinary Specialty: Microbiology
Explore the field of veterinary microbiology and learn about different types of pathogens as well as an at-home activity on how germs spread!
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Veterinary Specialty: Neurology
Explore the field of veterinary neurology and learn what veterinarians look for when performing a neurological exam!
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Veterinary Specialty: Nutrition
Explore the field of veterinary nutrition and learn about the importance of macronutrients and micronutrients in food, as well as ideas for tasty treats for your pet!
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Veterinary Specialty: Pathology
Explore the field of veterinary pathology and learn about different types of diagnostic tests as well as an activity for recreating a scientific lab in your own home!
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Veterinary Specialty: Radiology
Explore the field of veterinary radiology and examine medical images of real animal patients! Don’t forget to try our activity for making an x-ray light board right in your own home!
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Veterinary Specialty: Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Explore the field of veterinary sports medicine & rehabilitation! Learn about the various treatment options that help animals recover and improve their quality of life while trying out some exercises you can teach your pet at home.
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Veterinary Specialty: Surgery
Explore the field of veterinary surgery and learn about the different types of procedures surgeons are trained to perform as well as a fun stitching activity where you can test your own surgical skills at home!
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Veterinary Specialty: Toxicology
Explore the field of veterinary toxicology and learn which foods and other household products that are toxic to pets!
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Veterinary Specialty: Zoological Medicine
Explore the field of zoological medicine and the different animal traits these specialists need to know in order to treat wildlife!
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What is a Veterinarian?
A resource for young animal lovers to learn all about veterinarians!
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What is a Veterinary Technician?
Explore the career of veterinary technicians and their various duties while on the job!
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What is a Veterinary Wellness Exam?
Learn about the different parts of a wellness exam and what veterinarians look for as they examine a patient!
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X-Rays
Explore the importance of x-rays in veterinary medicine and put your skills to the test to detect what’s going on inside real x-ray images!
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Community Outreach & Programs
Learn more about our community outreach and children’s programming.
AMC Vet Camp: Online!
Learn about our virtual summer vet camp series for children ages 8 to 10.
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Community Outreach
Learn about scheduling an in-person or virtual visit with your organization.
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Teacher Lesson Plans
Explore different lesson plans about animals from PreK to 6th Grade.
Dramatic Play
Explore different animal-inspired themes for your classroom's dramatic play area!
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