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Pudong Campus Fourth Grade: From Dog Training to Scientific Understanding —— Fourth Graders’ New Discoveries

March 26, 2025

On March 20th, 2025, the fourth-grade students at SHSID Pudong Campus enjoyed a unique interactive learning experience as part of their science unit on animal adaptations during their Personal Growth (PG) class. To reinforce the concept of behavioral adaptations, the Grade 4 teachers invited a professional dog trainer from a local pet hotel to demonstrate training techniques and showcase some learned behaviors. This engaging activity not only brought the science lesson to life but also allowed students to deepen their understanding of animal behavior in a fun and interactive way.


During the session, the trainer introduced two well-trained dogs and demonstrated various skills they had mastered, such as sitting, shaking hands, jumping, and retrieving objects. Students observed how the dogs learned new behaviors through repetition and positive reinforcement, a perfect example of behavioral adaptations. The trainer also explained the dogs’ sensory abilities, learning processes, and interactions with humans, helping students understand animal behavior from a scientific perspective.


The students were not only attentive observers but also active participants. They asked insightful questions, such as “How do dogs distinguish between different commands?” and “Why do some dogs learn faster than others?” The trainer patiently answered these questions, using real-life examples to illustrate the diversity and complexity of animal adaptations.


This activity made classroom learning more engaging and sparked students’ curiosity about animal science. Through firsthand observation and interaction, students not only reinforced their classroom knowledge but also developed their observational and critical thinking skills. Moving forward, the school will continue to explore similar hands-on opportunities, encouraging students to learn through exploration and grow through experience.




Written by Jieying Zhang            Pictures by Pudong Campus Grade 4 Teachers   Proofread by Judah Kuhn