YA Eco Mysteries, Memoirs, Novels & Travel
The Educational Value of Zoos
06/09/15 10:59 Filed in: Environment
Teacher’s Night at the Birmingham Zoo
On a muggy, late summer Alabama night, tired teachers trooped through the gates of the Birmingham Zoo after a long day in the classroom. They were greeted by smiling docents, a friendly talking parrot and a cool gopher tortoise, bigger than a dinner plate. While teachers enjoyed delicious complimentary BBQ and drinks, the zoo’s able and talented educational staff explained the wide variety of resources the zoo provides for teachers. These include school animal programs, a variety of field experiences, guided tours, auditorium programs, and hands-on science experiences.
Docent Program in the Auditorium
On a muggy, late summer Alabama night, tired teachers trooped through the gates of the Birmingham Zoo after a long day in the classroom. They were greeted by smiling docents, a friendly talking parrot and a cool gopher tortoise, bigger than a dinner plate. While teachers enjoyed delicious complimentary BBQ and drinks, the zoo’s able and talented educational staff explained the wide variety of resources the zoo provides for teachers. These include school animal programs, a variety of field experiences, guided tours, auditorium programs, and hands-on science experiences.
Docent Program in the Auditorium
Mellowed out after dinner, guests had the opportunity to enjoy a night trek to the elephant and giraffe exhibits with the zoo’s trained docents.
The Birmingham Zoo’s staff of professional educator designs activities to inspire kids to learn more about the amazing diversity of animals in our state, and on our planet. In addition, the activities are specifically designed to connect to state standards and the core curriculum. These activities can be used as an exciting springboard to classroom learning, which connects to long-term curricula goals.
Teacher Night at the Birmingham Zoo highlighted the rich variety of learning opportunities at the zoo. Indeed, the zoo is a fun and safe place to learn. Here are five good reasons that zoos can provide an effective bridge to learning:
The animals are real.
Animals have a universal appeal.
Zoos encourage active learning outside the confines of four walls.
Zoos provide a springboard to learning across the core curriculum.
Zoos provide a springboard to Project Based Learning (PBL)
Viewing the variety of animals from around the world increases awareness of the rich biodiversity of our planet. More than that, a visit to the zoo should underscores the urgent need to conserve the biodiversity of living species and encourage students to take action to help save them from extinction. My eco mystery series, The Adventures of The Sizzling Six, is an excellent way to inspire students to explore endangered species and to become wise stewards of our natural heritage. A free cross-curricula handout for teachers, How to Become an Eco Detective, is available from: www.mediamint.net.
Kudos to the Birmingham Zoo’s education staff for providing an informatiive and fun evening!
WANT TO SHARE OR COMMENT? Please click on the icons(s) of your favorite social media to share, or to comment.
The Birmingham Zoo’s staff of professional educator designs activities to inspire kids to learn more about the amazing diversity of animals in our state, and on our planet. In addition, the activities are specifically designed to connect to state standards and the core curriculum. These activities can be used as an exciting springboard to classroom learning, which connects to long-term curricula goals.
Teacher Night at the Birmingham Zoo highlighted the rich variety of learning opportunities at the zoo. Indeed, the zoo is a fun and safe place to learn. Here are five good reasons that zoos can provide an effective bridge to learning:
The animals are real.
Animals have a universal appeal.
Zoos encourage active learning outside the confines of four walls.
Zoos provide a springboard to learning across the core curriculum.
Zoos provide a springboard to Project Based Learning (PBL)
Viewing the variety of animals from around the world increases awareness of the rich biodiversity of our planet. More than that, a visit to the zoo should underscores the urgent need to conserve the biodiversity of living species and encourage students to take action to help save them from extinction. My eco mystery series, The Adventures of The Sizzling Six, is an excellent way to inspire students to explore endangered species and to become wise stewards of our natural heritage. A free cross-curricula handout for teachers, How to Become an Eco Detective, is available from: www.mediamint.net.
Kudos to the Birmingham Zoo’s education staff for providing an informatiive and fun evening!
WANT TO SHARE OR COMMENT? Please click on the icons(s) of your favorite social media to share, or to comment.