Use these lesson extensions to continue discussion of this topic in the classroom.
Find out about other animals that could help with mine detection. Have students read the FRONTLINE/World feature “More Hero Animals” and discuss what characteristics of dolphins and honeybees make them suited to detecting mines.
Help students recognize how Bart Weetjens’ early interest in rodents eventually turned into his life’s work and a strategy to address a serious global issue. Read FRONTLINE/World’s interview with Bart Weetjens and highlight the events that led Weetjens to found his organization, APOPO. Ask students to list their interests in a journal and consider whether any of these interests have the potential to help solve a local or global problem.