Spotlight on Experiential Learning at the Zoo

Experiential Learning Across the U.S. – Episode 7: Life Science at the Zoo

Zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks present terrific opportunities for experiential learning in a fun, safe environment. If you have access to any of these venues, you should include them in your teacher’s toolbox.

A zoo exists to educate – to bring humans in touch with wildlife and inspire a passion for conservation. As people connect with animals, they are motivated to take good care of the planet we all share.

Most people – and especially children – respond with awe and excitement when they see wild animals. Put a live gorilla or python in front of even the most apathetic student and you’ve automatically got him engaged. In addition to the benefits that come from hands-on learning in general, teachers have found that zoo programs often help them build relationships with students that they never completely connected with before. In fact, some kids who struggle in the classroom actually shine at the zoo. A zoo effectively accommodates a variety of learning styles, and can thus more easily connect with auditory, kinesthetic, visual and tactile learners.

The more real a learning exercise is, the more likely students are to engage, and be motivated to learn more. Rex Ettlin, the Education Program Coordinator at the Oregon Zoo says, “There is nothing better than an actual elephant to teach the concept of elephantness. No video, no website, no book can do that as effectively.”

This blog spotlights a couple of interesting programs around the U.S. and provides resources to help you find great zoology programs near you.

“Residency” at the Como Zoo

At Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul, MN, 2^nd and 3^rd grade classes participate in high-impact science experiences. Every morning of the week-long program, enrolled students are picked up at school and taken to the zoo to engage in a variety of hands-on life science lessons. The zoo offers this extraordinary opportunity for free, thanks to Legacy Amendment dollars, and all lessons are aligned with Minnesota state standards.

“There’s not a moment that kids aren’t busy working, learning, observing, experimenting,” said Stacy Krohn, a participating 3^rd grade teacher. “There’s nothing like being immersed.”

Sarah Olson, the school and residency coordinator for the zoo, described one of the program learning highlights: an exercise in which students use the scientific method to create an “enrichment” for the animals. After observing an animal, they hypothesize about ways in which to enrich that animal’s life, by either stimulating the animal’s senses, encouraging it to solve problems or enabling natural behaviors. The students then create the enrichment and observe how the animals respond.

Hands-On at the National Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C. offers children a variety of interactive experiences with the natural world. Using hands-on activities, crafts, experiments, and the Zoo's animal collection, students can explore concepts in environmental science, strengthen skills needed for success in the classroom, and develop important social skills.

Another National Zoo offering is called “How Do You Zoo?,” which helps students investigate Zoo careers in an interactive play space. They test their skills by completing tasks such as:

• Conducting research in the Small Mammal House
• Exploring life as an animal chef
• Examining animal x-rays
• Managing zoo activity as a National Zoo Keeper

Once students pass their training, they become certified Jr. Zoo Staff members and receive a participation patch! These programs cost $18-$25 per student.

The National Zoo also offers seasonal camps such as the Spring Safari Day Camp, in which students explore the lives, habitats and conservation of animals around the world.

Jealous of all these activities for the youngsters? You don’t have to be left out! The National Zoo also offers the Wildlife Studies Certificate Program for adults, providing an in-depth look at animal behavior, conservation and ecology. Frequent career events also give you the opportunity to hear from leaders in the fields of animal care, science, education and sustainability.

Find a Zoo Learning Experience Near You!

Have you explored the educational programs offered at your local zoo? The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) provides a searchable list of zoos, by state. Here are some examples of what you might discover:

• The Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, IL has developed a wealth of Teacher Resources and Classes about animals, science and conservation. Check out their Classroom Connections Catalog for details and ideas.
• The Bronx Zoo in New York offers a variety of educational programs for all ages, ranging in cost from free for the Nature Club, to $475 for week-long summer camps. They have specific programs geared for grades 8-12.
• The Oakland Zoo in California partners with local school districts to offer inquiry-based science and environmental education programs that actively support CA State, Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. Their Wildlife Assembly program is great for multiple classes and age levels. Their ZooMobile program brings animal ambassadors to your school, with outreach programs tailored to meet the needs of your group.
• The Oregon Zoo in Portland offers a variety of educational programs, such as Spring Break Day Camp, the week-long Summer Day Camp and the overnight ZooSnooze.
• The San Diego Zoo offers a rich assortment of Teacher Resources including Field Trips, Curriculum, Classroom Kits and Teen Programs.
• Educational resources at the Seattle Aquarium include the Seattle Aquarium scavenger hunt, a 12-page Educators’ Guide and Teachers’ Resources to accompany a variety of field trips.

Lessons at the Zoo

When taking advantage of all the learning opportunities available at your zoo, you can cover a variety of topics in addition to zoology:

• Ecology, biodiversity and adaptations
• Geography – many zoos organize exhibits by zoogeographic regions, such as the African Savanna, Alaskan Tundra, Amazon Rainforest, etc.
• Animal classification – whether it’s the difference between mammals and reptiles, or between pinnipeds and ungulates
• Critical thinking and evaluation. Why does this animal have a trunk? Should we try to protect it from extinction? Why?

Hands-on, real-world learning is at the heart of Envision’s mission. Please share your input, thoughts and questions in our Comments section.