Project Nim

Today you will be watching a film called Project Nim

In your Sketchbook answer these questions.

Answer before you start the film:

        -Do you think there are any other animals besides humans that can talk?

        -Do you think it would be a good idea to raise a chimpanzee like a human and teach it to talk?

Answer during or after the film:    

        -What parts of project Nim were a good idea and what parts were a bad idea?

        -What did you find surprising while watching the story of Nim?

        -Do you think Nim could talk? There is no right answer to this question. In your opinion was Nim talking? Why? Give examples.

Optional, on your own:

If you can, watch "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" the 2011 film. While watching the film make a list of similarities between Caesar's story and Nim. Include in your sketchbook a picture from the movie. How did rise of the planet of the apes make you feel after having watched project Nim?

Independent Student Research:

Look up Dr. John C. Lilly and his Dolphin experiment!

Questions about pets

-I would like you to think about what it means to be domesticated?

        -Why do we choose the pets that we have?

        -Can all animals become pets?

        -If you could have any pet what would it be and why?

        -What responsibility do humans have towards animals?