Education Programs At The Zoo
Attention Teachers:
Are you looking for a fun way to teach your students about wildlife? Whether
you are looking for the opportunity to visit the zoo on your own or you are
looking for someone to come to your classroom, the John Ball Zoo has a program
to fit your needs. Take a look at the following programs offered by the Education
Department ...and if you see one that interests you please call us at 616-336-4301.
IMAX and Zoo Program:
Give your students twice the fun while knowing you're providing twice the
educational value on your next field trip. John Ball Zoo and IMAX Theatre
are collaborating in a program which corresponds with the Kent County collaborative
core curriculum (KC'4') and the Michigan Science Standards.
Your fieldtrip to our combined program will include a teacher's preparation packet containing background information, teaching tips, handouts, worksheets, activities, and more about each of the topics. It will also include a viewing of the movie of your choice and a hands-on, interactive Zoo presentation at the IMAX Theater... or at the John Ball Zoo.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, we'll bring the zoo-to-you at the IMAX Theatre immediately following the movie. Wednesdays, bring you class to the Zoo for an extension learning experience. The choice is yours, but both options provide double the education (and fun) for your students.
For additional information visit the following web site: http://www.bigscreenmovies.com/ImaxMatters/educationresources.htm or call Emily at the IMAX at 616-447-4232 to book your program today.
Traveling Zoo:
Have an up-close encounter with zoo animals in the comfort of your own classroom
or facility. Zoo instructors and/or trained volunteer educators will bring
live animals to schools, scout troops, retirement groups... you name it!
Programs are flexible and fun, and can be designed to meet your needs. Frequently requested topics include: Animal Classification, Michigan Animals, Body Coverings, Endangered Species, Predator/Prey Relationships, Animals in Winter, or just General Interest.
Animal Adventures:
This program takes place entirely at the Zoo. Participants get a "hands-on"
session given by a zoo instructor using live animals and animal "biofacts"
(bones, feathers, pelts, etc.) to illustrate educational concepts. This is
followed by an opportunity to tour the zoo on your own.
Programs are flexible and fun, and can be designed to meet your needs. Frequently requested topics include: Body Coverings, Endangered Species, Reptiles, Mammals, Birds, Animal Classification, Animals in Winter, Living Shores and more.
Animal Study Units:
Presented by Zoo volunteers, this program is designed to correspond with Kent
County Collaborative Core Curriculum and Michigan's Science Standards. Participating
teachers receive a classroom preparation packet containing background information,
class activities and resources. The fieldtrip to the zoo includes an animal
demonstration and a guided tour to enhance the topic. Available topics are:
Vertebrate Classification, Habitats & Adaptations, Vertebrates & Invertebrates
or Web of Life.
Discovery Boxes:
These boxes provide an easy and exciting way for teachers to bring a taste
of the wild to the classroom. Each box contains a wide variety of items including
animal "biofacts" (bones, feathers, skins, etc.), lesson plans and
often games, audiovisual materials, books and magazine articles.
Topics are many and varied, but all are designed to enhance your school curriculum.
Self-Guided Tours:
For classes unable to take part in our other programs, we offer self-guided
tours. These are written tours of the zoo with information about the exhibits
and include a reproducible student activity sheet to use while on tour.
Zoo School
Zoo School is a permanent school on-site at the Zoo. Two classes of sixth
graders take their entire school year at the Zoo. This program operated by
the Grand Rapids Public School System, has been housed at the Zoo for over
20 years.
ME