Programs & Campaigns

"Next of Kin"—A Compassionate Interdisciplinary Science Curriculum

Grades 6-9

Order from NEAVS Next of Kin, a Compassionate Interdisciplinary Science Curriculum

The "Next of Kin Compassionate Curriculum" helps students in the sixth through ninth grades develop awareness, form attitudes, and take actions to solve problems faced by chimpanzees – our next of kin – and other animals who are endangered or living in captivity.

In addition to a comprehensive course guide and notebook with more than 25 lessons, the curriculum has a companion CD-ROM that may be used to preview the curriculum or to enhance the lesson plans.

Order from NEAVS Next of Kin: What Chimpanzees Have Taught Me About Who We Are, the 1997 best-selling book featuring Washoe, the first chimpanzee to acquire the ability to use ASL.

The curriculum takes its name from the title of Roger Fouts’ and Stephen Tukel Mills’ 1997 best-seller, Next of Kin, in which Fouts describes his work with Washoe, the first chimpanzee to acquire the ability to use American Sign Language.

The middle school curriculum takes many of the book’s concepts – most importantly, compassion and respect for other individuals and species – and introduces them to students through a variety of interactive, thought-provoking lessons and activities. For example, students gain first-hand awareness of what it would be like to live in captivity when they are instructed: "Think what it would be like to be trapped in an elevator for two days with food and water – but no escape." This helps them empathize with a chimpanzee forced to "live" in a 5x5x7’ cage.

The curriculum can be used by teachers as a supplement to other units or randomly. Curriculum activities provide the students opportunities to participate in research, decision-making and cooperative problem-solving.

Comments from teachers piloting the program on both the east and west coasts have been overwhelmingly positive, according to Fouts-Carrico.

The "Next of Kin" grades 2-5 curriculum is available now. The final phase, grades 10-12, will complete the entire 2-12 curriculum and is now in development.

New Pricing!

$30.00 for Gr. 2-5 (paper)
$24.95 for for Gr. 2-5 (printable cd-rom)
$30.00 for for Gr.6-9

Special Price!
Buy both Grades 2-5 and 6-9
for only $60!

Next of Kin Curriculum
> About NoK
> Grades 2-5
> Grades 6-9
> Grades 10-12 - coming soon!

> Enter Free Drawing

> About 'Next of Kin', the book

> Learn More About CHCI

> Teacher Comments
> Order Next of Kin curriculum
> Sample Lesson Plan
   :: Chimp or Human?

> Next of Kin Curriculum Unveiled
> Educating the Next Generation

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