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Zoo School
What
is it?
 Zoo School offers students the opportunity
to discover the true meaning of observation and to learn about
conservation, preservation, and the connectedness of the natural
world.
The week spent at Zoo School is part
of a focused long-term study carried out by students. The
week is unique to every school and class, depending on the
major focus each teacher wishes to develop.
Students choose a specific animal
on which to focus for the week, and have at least one hour
of observation time each day. This gives them a chance to
discover the relationships between their chosen animal, allows
them to get to know the "personality" and names
of individuals in the group, and to go beyond what everyday
visitors see.
It is an opportunity for students
to improve writing skills. Most importantly, they gain an
appreciation for the lives of animals a truly vital part in
developing the students' future ideas and beliefs about conservation.
In addition, each class is given the
rare opportunity of going "Behind the Scenes" at
one of the animal enclosures. Come work with us at the Calgary
Zoo as we facilitate learning in a real world setting!
"In the end, we conserve only
what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will
understand only what we are taught." Baba Diom, Senegal
What Does Zoo School Offer?
 "Behind
the Scenes" Programs
- Discovery
Programs (2 maximum
per class) focus on specific topics related to our world,
zoos, the environment, animals and us, and are taught by
zoo staff members.
- Walk
through the Canadian Wilds allows students to be
immersed in nature with a truly Canadian perspective: the
Aspen Woodlands, the Rocky Mountains, and the Northern Forest.
- Animal
Visits are a wonderful
opportunity for students to learn about the Calgary Zoo's
collection of "handleable" animals. Volunteers
bring live animals into the classroom.
Zoo School Resources
- Tom
Baines Classroom - This on-site classroom is available
exclusively to your class all week. Zoo School backpacks
and nametags are available to students for the duration
of the week.
- Video
Recorder - A digital 8 camcorder is available and
you will have ample opportunity to take video footage of
your week. We will supply the digital 8 tape and free lessons!
A copy is sent back with you at the end of your week. Please
bring a VHS tape with you.
- Free
Zoo visits - Teachers
can visit the Zoo for free in order to familiarize themselves
with the Zoo and to plan for the week with the Zoo School
Coordinator. Please note: this pass cannot be used for visits
with other family members.
- Zoo
School Coordinator - The Zoo School Coordinator is
involved with teaching special programs as requested by
you and is a resource for you and your students.
- Calgary
Zoo Staff - Staff members are available to host a
variety of programs.
- Biofacts-
Examples of biological materials/articles that have come
from animals, which may be useful for certain activities
and programs.
Help With Preparation:
 A.
Meetings
We will meet with you or your team twice to assist with preparations:
- The preliminary planning meeting
is held with the Open Minds Education Director and the Zoo
School Coordinator, several months before your class comes
to the Zoo to discuss the long-term plan for teaching necessary
skills.
- The Zoo Week Planning Meeting is
held closer to the actual date of arrival. We will discuss
release forms, health concerns, payment, special needs,
and activities or projects you have been working on with
the students.
B.
School Visit
A Calgary Zoo staff member will visit your school one week
before you arrive to talk to your students about "Zoo
Etiquette," and define expectations from a Zoo perspective.
C.
Schedules
You are responsible for long-term planning, but the Zoo School
Coordinator will assist in the planning and booking of programs
and activities for the week at Zoo School.
Visit the Calgary
Zoo website for more information on zoo exhibits, events,
conservation efforts and research.
How to Apply
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