Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basic biology of horses, including their anatomy, diet, and behavior.

Materials and Prep

• Internet access
• Pen and paper for note-taking

No prior knowledge or preparation is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Research and create a diagram of a horse's anatomy. Include labels for the major body parts, such as the head, neck, withers, back, hindquarters, legs, hooves, etc. Write a short description for each labeled part.

2. Investigate the diet of horses. Find out what they eat in the wild and what is typically fed to domesticated horses. Create a chart comparing the two diets and explain why certain foods are important for their health.

3. Observe and document horse behavior. Spend time observing horses in a nearby stable or through online videos. Take notes on their social interactions, communication methods, and any interesting behaviors you notice. Write a short paragraph summarizing your observations.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• "Horses are herbivores, which means they only eat plants and vegetation."
• "Their digestive system is designed for grazing and they have a large cecum to help break down the tough plant material they consume."
• "Horses are social animals and live in herds, with a hierarchical structure led by a dominant horse."
• "They communicate through body language, vocalizations, and even facial expressions."
• "Horses have excellent hearing and a wide field of vision, which helps them detect potential threats in their surroundings."
• "Their hooves are made of keratin, the same material as human nails, and need regular trimming and care."
• "Horses have been domesticated for thousands of years and have played a significant role in human history, from transportation to agriculture."