Zoo School programs offer students the opportunity to interact with zoo education staff, engage with touchable biofacts and observe animals first-hand.
All Zoo School programs include a presentation by zoo education staff, touchable biofacts, animals and hands-on activities. Programs are available at the zoo and at schools across the Portland metropolitan area. Presentations are age-appropriate and reinforce academic standards in Oregon and Washington.
ZooSchool is full for the 2012-13 school year.
K–1st Grade
What is a bird?
Discover the avian world through activities and live birds. Students learn how feathers, eggs and beaks make birds unique. Includes two birds, at least one touchable.
Animal homes
Like people, animals need a safe place to live and raise a family. Learn what birds and other animals look for in the perfect home. Includes two animals, at least one touchable.
Beautiful bugs
Insects aren't the only type of invertebrate! Explore the incredible diversity of 'bugs' through hands-on encounters and activities. Compare different types of invertebrates: their shapes, sizes, and roles in the ecosystem. Includes four invertebrate species, at least one touchable.
2nd–3rd Grade
Jungle creatures and their special features
The rainforests are home to many amazing creatures. Explore adaptive features that help rainforest animals survive and find food. Includes three animals, with at least one touchable.
A bug's life
Egg, larva, metamorphosis and adult: Examine the life cycles of various invertebrates and learn about their roles in ecosystems in which they live. Includes four invertebrate species, at least one touchable.
In your own backyard
Wildlife is not limited to the "wild!" Meet animals that live in Oregon's backyards and schoolyards. Discover easy ways to support and attract more of them. Includes three native animals, at least one touchable.
Africa's smallest hunters
Predators come in all sizes! Meet some of Africa's smallest predators and learn how they hunt and avoid being hunted. Includes three African species, with at least one touchable animal.
Critter coverings
Feathers for flying, scales for slithering, fur for fluffing: Discover how different body coverings help animals survive. Includes a bird, reptile and mammal, with at least one touchable animal.
Home sweet habitat
Explore differences between animal homes and discover what all living things need for survival. Includes a bird, reptile and mammal, with at least one touchable animal.
4th–5th Grade
Riches of the rainforest
Tropical rainforests are the most diverse environments on the planet. Students will learn about the unique plants and animals found in the jungle, and how they depend on each other for survival. Includes three animals, at least one touchable.
Predator-prey, Africa-style
Predators have adaptations to catch their prey; prey have adaptations to elude them. Meet African animals that are both predator and prey and discover the surprising ways they survive in the wild. Includes three African species, with at least one touchable animal.
Adaptations
Animals have adaptations to help them find food and avoid becoming food. Learn how adaptations in feet, teeth, fur and feathers help animals survive. Includes three animals, at least one touchable.
Northwest animals
The great Northwest is home to many hard-to-find creatures, especially if you don't know what to look for! Journey through diverse Oregon habitats and discover how tracks, scat and other animal signs tell the stories about the animals all around. Includes three native animals, at least one touchable.
6th–8th Grade
African animals and artifacts
Africa is famous for its fantastic fauna. Unfortunately, many African animals are at risk of extinction due to illegal trade and hunting. Meet African animals and learn ways to appreciate and protect them. Includes four African species, with at least one touchable animal.
Conservation town hall
The challenge: protect species and preserve habitats in a changing world. Role-play in a mock town hall meeting between timber company representatives and village residents. Required: pre-visit activities to prepare students for their roles. Includes three animals, at least one touchable.
Junior creature teachers (new)
Zookeepers use training to help animals get exercise and keep their minds active. Learn how zookeepers communicate with animals and try your hand at animal training. Includes four animals, at least one touchable.
Rainforest resources
Tropical rainforests provide people and animals with many important resources. Learn how conscious use of resources can benefit animals and people without harming these delicate environments. Includes four animals, at least one touchable.
9th–12th Grade
Conservation consumers
Students can use their growing purchasing power to help or harm the environment. Food, clothes, and technology all require resources and generate waste that can degrade habitats. Activities connect students with resources they use, empowering them to make choices that positively affect the environment. Includes three animals, at least one touchable.
Animal training 101
Caring for zoo animals involves more than just scooping poop. Learn how zookeepers train animals to participate in their care, keeping their bodies healthy and their minds active. Includes an opportunity for students to practice training techniques. Includes three animals, at least one touchable.
Cost per group
Fee for Zoo School programs at the zoo does not include zoo admission. Maximum group size per session is 32 students.
At the zoo
| Grade | Duration | Fee, September to March |
Fee, April to June |
|---|---|---|---|
| kindergarten and first | 30 minutes | $50 | $65 |
| second and third | 40 minutes | $60 | $75 |
| fourth and fifth | 40 minutes | $60 | $75 |
| sixth through eighth | 50 minutes | $70 | $85 |
| ninth through 12th | 50 minutes | $70 | $85 |
At your school
| Grade | Duration | Fee, first presentation |
Fee, each additional presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| kindergarten and first | 30 minutes | $70 | $55 |
| second and third | 40 minutes | $85 | $70 |
| fourth and fifth | 40 minutes | $85 | $70 |
| sixth through eighth | 50 minutes | $100 | $85 |
| ninth through 12th | 50 minutes | $100 | $85 |
Register for Zoo School
Zoo School programs are available mid-September to mid-June at the zoo or mid-September through April at your school. Two weeks advance booking is required.
Tracy Modde
tracy.modde@oregonzoo.org
503-220-2781