Educational Programs for School Groups

Educational Programs 2013

Our programs are fun, innovative and can complement your curriculum.
Join us as we bring the wonders of the zoological world to you and your students.
Presented by the Zoological Society of Florida.

Educational Programs at the Zoo to choose from:

Guided Walking Tour , Wildlife Discovery (an indoor program), Field Investigation (scientist in training), or Outdoor Assembly (for large groups) 

Or...

We come to you:

Zoo on Wheels (outreach program):
You can choose to have the Zoo hold a classroom (for up to 50 students) or an assembly program (for up to 150 students) at your school.

Please make reservations at least 3 weeks in advance by contacting the ZSF Education Department at 305.255.5551 ext. 139. All programs subject to change.

FIELD TRIPS TO THE ZOO

 Guided Walking Tours

Group size: 20 persons per guide, each guide will take a slightly different route to avoid overlapping discussions. Fees: 1st guide-$30 / each additional guide add $10

Pre-K – K

The Little Wonder Tour
This walking tour is geared towards our littlest zoo goers to seeing the wonders of the zoo, and concludes at our Children’s Zoo where they can visit with the Wacky Barn animals. Each tour will be led by a knowledgeable Docent guide.
Length: 45-60 minutes

Grades 4-12

Zoogeographic Walking Tours
Schedule a walking tour to one of three zoo’s geographic areas, Asia, Africa or Amazon & Beyond. Each tour will be led by a knowledgeable Docent guide and includes information on animal characteristics and conservation.
Length: 1-1.5 hours

Wildlife Discovery (indoor classroom program)

Length: 30 minutes Fee: $45
Maximum capacity: 50 persons

Pre-K – K

Animal Families
Parenting behaviors vary as widely as animals do; for example, ovenbirds build a clay hut to house their eggs, while penguins incubate eggs on their own feet! Moms, dads, and babies are the topic of this class, where children explore the ins and outs of animal families.

Fur, Feathers, and Scales
Children will explore the different coverings of mammals, reptiles, and birds, as well as the purpose for their intriguing “wrappers”. Additional special traits of these animal groups will also be explored. This program includes a live animal encounter.

Grades 1-3

Reptiles are Cool!
Come discover the characteristics that make the reptiles “cool” in the animal kingdom. They slither, they crawl and they have been around for millions of years. The cool critters include snakes, turtles, lizards and alligators.

Classified Information
It’s no secret how all the animals in the world are categorized. Students will discover the characteristics that separate vertebrates into major groups in this innovative and fun program through observations and the use of biofacts.

Built for Survival
To survive in the wild, it helps to have a bag of tricks. Animals have developed a variety of astonishing specializations to find food, escape predators, and raise their offspring. We will look at the incredible variety of adaptations in the animal kingdom.

Amazing Animals
Join us as we explore the various habitats of some amazing animals. Your students will enjoy discovering animals from around the world with a focus on those found in the Americas.

Grades 3-5

Built for Survival
To survive in the wild, it helps to have a bag of tricks. Animals have developed a variety of astonishing specializations to find food, escape predators, and raise their offspring. We will look at the incredible variety of adaptations in the animal kingdom.
 
How Do You Measure Up?
How do you weigh an elephant? Math is necessary for Zoo staff to track the weights and sizes of animals. Through hands-on activities, discover how it is done, by letting us help you prepare for the FCAT! Using estimates and different units of measurements, students will have a better understanding of how the Zoo keeps track of animal lengths and weights while having a great time.

Amazing Animals
Join us as we explore the various habitats of some amazing animals. Your students will enjoy discovering animals from around the world with a focus on those found in the Americas.

Grades 6-12

Nature Keepers
Why is it so important to conserve wildlife and natural resources? Are we doing enough? Students will explore a variety of measures at the Zoo and around the world, and look at how each one of us is doing our part.

Field Investigation

Length: 45-60 minutes (depending on grade level) Fee: $50
Maximum capacity: 25 persons Note: All activity materials and tools provided.

Grades 3 and Up

Keeping an Eye on Primates
Become a Zoo scientist observing primate behaviors, using similar tools utilized by field biologists. In addition, find out why this type of study is important for wildlife conservation.

Animals in Motion
Meet some interesting Zoo animals and explore a variety of traits that help them to move around their habitats in search of food and to protect themselves and their families.

Outdoor Assembly (for large groups)

At Children’s Zoo Theater
Length: 30-45 minutes (depending on grade level) Fee: $75
Maximum capacity: 150 persons

All Grade Levels

Reptile Rascals
Meet some of the reptiles that make their home at the Zoo. This outdoor program features some of the reptiles that make their home at the Zoo. Students will discover why reptiles are so remarkable through the use of live animals and animals’ skulls, skins and other biofacts.
 
Survivor- Animal Style
Come see how animals are fit for life with all the right moves. Survival for them is a daily adventure. Through distinctive traits such as coloration, specialized teeth and unrivaled behavior students will discover the adaptations animals use to stay alive in their habitats. Includes live animals and animal skulls, skins and other biofacts.

 WE COME TO YOU!
ZOO ON WHEELS OUTREACH PROGRAM 

Let the Zoo make a field trip to your school with our outreach program! Our 30 to 45 minute (depending on grade level) programs are designed for classroom or an assembly. Classroom program size is limited to 50 students, assembly programs can accommodate up to 150 students. (Additional consecutive sessions may be available on the same day.) Program may vary depending on animal availability. To schedule an outreach program for your school, please call the ZSF Education Department 305-255-5551, at least 3 weeks in advance. Additional fee for locations outside of zoo base area may apply.
 
Fees:
Classroom, 50 students
1st program: $175
2nd consecutive program on same day: $150
Assembly, up to 150 students
1st program: $350
2nd consecutive program on same day: $250

All Grade Levels

Creature Feature
This interactive program focuses on some of the most fascinating creatures found around the world. Students will discover how featured animals have amazing specializations for survival in their natural habitats.

Reptiles
The focus of this program is on reptiles, how they are similar and how they are different. Join us as we take a look at a variety of amazing reptiles and why some of them have a questionable reputation.

All programs are subject to change.