Turkeys receiving a presidential pardon date back to the days of Lincoln. According to one story, Lincoln’s son, Tad, begged his father to write a presidential pardon for the bird meant for the family’s Christmas table. Tad argued that the turkey had as much of a right to live as anyone. Lincoln acquiesced and the turkey lived!

Tad also reminds me of Temple Grandin.  Temple is an American professor of animal science at Colorado State University, consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior, and autism spokesperson.  She is well-known for supporting the humane treatment of animals. Her visual thinking was a tremendous asset in designing livestock facilities.  She worked hard on improving how animals are treated.  Here is one of her TedTalks – The World Needs All Kinds of Minds.

On November 14, 1989, President George H.W. Bush was the first to actually offer a turkey pardon. For more information, read The Definitive History of the Presidential Turkey Pardon and from the White House Archives: Thanksgiving with the Presidents.

We need your mind to design a perfect coop for this year’s pardoned turkey. Consider its physical, social, and emotional needs. Be sure to label any special features of the coop.  We suggest you use a shoebox.

Reminders:
1. One entry per student.
2. All entries must have a submission form attached – Turkey’s Coop Challenge
3. Please write your name and your teacher’s name on your creation.
4. All entries are DUE Monday, November 20th!