Do you teach a compassionate science class, an ethics class, or any concepts on vegetarianism? Are you looking for a cool class project that would be different, unique—yet still teach the same values and ethics that you’re trying to highlight in the classroom? TeachKind is hosting a contest that may be exactly what you are looking for.

During November, in honor of Thanksgiving TeachKind is celebrating the bird of the season. That’s right—turkeys! Did you know that the turkey was once considered a candidate for the national bird of America?

Turkeys are also very intelligent animals. They like to listen to music (even warbling along sometimes), have their feathers stroked (much like you would your own cat or dog), and not be used for Thanksgiving food! Though you may have never seen a turkey fly, they can do so—and up to 55 miles per hour. They can also run 5 miles per hour, and they have a lifespan of up to four years (longer than many pet hamsters might live).

To celebrate turkeys, as well as to help educate children about these inquisitive animals, TeachKind is offering a chance to “adopt” a turkey. Classes are encouraged to apply to enter for a chance to name a turkey from the Polar Springs Animal Sanctuary in Maryland. The entire class will then become the turkey’s adoptive “parents.” They will receive a photo of the turkey for classroom display as well as other information about their new “pet.”

Entering for the chance to win is easy. Just send a comment to the TeachKind Facebook page detailing the class’s choice for a turkey name. If you aren’t on Facebook you can also email your name choice to Info@TeachKind.org as your entry.

Be sure to enter before the deadline on November 20, 2009. The winner will be chosen by the most creative names entered, so no Bills, Harrys or Marys! Winners will be announced on November 23. For more information, including privacy policy and terms and conditions, visit the TeachKind website.

Aside from the contest, the site also features humane lesson plans regarding turkeys, including fun worksheets, facts, and alternative recipes to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey meal.

Who ever said that Thanksgiving had to be about turkey, anyway? One of the best Thanksgivings our family had was an Italian-based one with plenty of vegetarian red pastas and vegetables. What’s your favorite vegetarian Thanksgiving meal?