Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basic biology of horses and their unique characteristics.

Materials and Prep

• Pen and paper
• Access to the internet or library resources
• Basic knowledge of biology

Activities

1. Research the anatomy of a horse and create a labeled diagram.

   Use your resources to find information about the different body parts of a horse. Draw a detailed diagram of a horse and label each body part accurately.

2. Explore the life cycle of a horse.

   Research and write a short paragraph about the life cycle of a horse. Include information about birth, growth, reproduction, and aging.

3. Investigate the different breeds of horses.

   Choose three different horse breeds and research their characteristics, origin, and uses. Create a table or a poster to present your findings.

4. Study the diet and nutrition of horses.

   Find out what horses eat and how their diet affects their health. Write a brief summary of the nutritional needs of horses and how they obtain their food.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• "Horses belong to the animal kingdom and are classified as mammals."
• "They have a unique digestive system called hindgut fermentation, which allows them to efficiently digest plant material."
• "Horses have a strong sense of hearing and can rotate their ears 180 degrees to detect sounds from different directions."
• "Their hooves are composed of keratin, the same material found in human hair and nails."
• "Horses can sleep both standing up and lying down, using a locking mechanism in their legs to stay balanced while resting."
• "The average lifespan of a horse ranges from 25 to 30 years, although some horses have been known to live much longer."
• "Horses come in various colors and patterns, including bay, chestnut, black, and pinto."