Zoo School

Multi-week series of classes for schools, homeschool and after-school groups

VOTED "BEST OF THE METROPLEX!"

Zoo School is a 12-week series of fun, hands-on zoology classes that is the perfect solution for schools, homeschool or after-school groups looking for life science enrichment. It is designed for elementary age students in 1st-6th grades and offers both a BASIC and an ADVANCED option.

Each 45-minute class is taught at the student’s location and features a combination of lecture, discussion and live demonstration animals. Each student is provided with follow-along student workbooks and take-home exercises. Students will also complete a semester-long independent project and present it to the class for sharing of their new found knowledge. Perfect for young conservationists and aspiring zoologists!

Zoo Schools Around the Metroplex

Registration for Fall 2011 classes is already closed. If you’d like to be contacted with Spring 2012 registration details, contact us and ask to be added to our Zoo School mailing list.

Bring Zoo School to Your Students!

Would you like to organize a Zoo School in your area? We are seeking site coordinators to organize Zoo Schools for their school, homeschool, or after-school group. Site coordinators are asked to secure an indoor location and serve as the group’s organizer, student recruiter, and registrar — in return, you earn free tuition for one student. Read all the "how to’s" on our Site Coordinator Information page.

Our Secular Teaching Approach

Parents — we want to be sure you are aware that we teach secular curricula. We believe that our role is to teach zoological science and your role is to instill personal belief systems. Our personal beliefs will NEVER be evident to our students, but, as a "science" company, we DO teach currently-accepted scientific principles. Topics such as animal adaptations and natural selection are included in BASIC Zoo School. And, the impact of human intrusion and climatic changes on wildlife are taught in ADVANCED Zoo School. If your family’s personal beliefs do not align with this approach to teaching zoology and conservation, then this is probably not the program for you. Our mission is to instill a love of wildlife and nature by sharing the latest scientific information…we’ll leave the rest to you.

BASIC: Introduction to Zoology (1st-4th grade)

Unit 1:  Arthropods I – Insects

Unit 2:  Arthropods II – Arachnids

Unit 3:  Amphibians

Unit 4:  Reptiles I – Turtles

Unit 5:  Reptiles II – Lizards

Unit 6:  Reptiles III – Snakes

Unit 7:  Birds

Unit 8:  Mammals I – Insectivores & Frugivores

Unit 9:  Mammals II – Herbivores

Unit 10:  Mammals III – Carnivores & Omnivores

Unit 11:  Student Project Presentations I

Unit 12:  Student Project Presentations II & Graduation 

ADVANCED: Animal Habitats & Conservation (1st-6th grade)

Prerequisite: Completion of BASIC Zoo School or previous exposure to 3rd-6th grade-level life science curriculum.

Unit 1:  Desert

Unit 2:  Grasslands — African Savanna

Unit 3:  Grasslands — American Prairie

Unit 4:  Forest

Unit 5:  Freshwater Pond

Unit 6:  Tropical Rainforest

Unit 7:  Wetlands

Unit 8:  Marine

Unit 9:  Mountain

Unit 10:  Your Backyard

Unit 11:  Student Project Presentations I

Unit 12:  Student Project Presentations II & Graduation

Tuition

Zoo School requires a minimum of 20 students and can accommodate up to 35 students. Tuition is $100 per student, plus a $20 materials fee; total fee is $120 per student. Locations beyond the immediate Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex may require an additional travel fee. Custom pricing for smaller groups is available.

Student Requirements

Age Requirements

     BASIC: 6-years old or older and be able to do grade-level activities

     ADVANCED: 6-years old or older and be able to do grade-level activities

The student must:

1. be able to demonstrate concise handwriting skills are essential,
2. be able to sit quietly, unattended for 45 minutes (special needs students are welcome; approval should be obtained from the instructor prior to enrollment),
3. be able to follow Zoo School safety rules and display proper classroom manners, and
4. supply their own colored pencils and writing utensils.