Behinds the Scenes of a Zoo | How Zoos Operate | 4 Day Camp for Ages 8-11
In this 4 day camp, learners will take a trip behind the scenes of zoos to learn about animal care, breeding programs, enrichment, careers, and other details of zoo operations.
Sarah Skebba
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(255)
Star Educator
What's included
4 live meetings
2 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursAssessment
Assessments will be offered in the form of Kahoot! quizzes based on the topic of discussion for each day. The Kahoot! quizzes will be optional and can be completed digitally after class.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
I have loved going to zoos ever since I was a kid, but I always had so many questions. Where did they get those elephants? Where did they get the food for the lion? Certainly not at the grocery store... Why did they send my favorite gorilla to anther zoo? Behinds the Scenes of a Zoo is the perfect camp for your animal-loving, curious kids. In this 4-day camp, we will explore some of the most fascinating yet least discussed topics about how zoos operate. As a former zoo and aquarium educator and a current zoo volunteer, I have been observing the ins-and-outs of zoo operations since 2015 and am excited to share these details with your learners. Each day of camp will focus on a different aspect of zoo design and operations. These interactive sessions will include lots of Q&A and discussions. Learners will be encouraged to engage with each other in discussions about animal welfare and conservation. We will use a Google Slide presentation with photos, videos, and GIFs to engage learners throughout our sessions. Please take a look at the syllabus to see what each day of camp will entail. I can't wait to explore the Behind the Scenes of Zoos with your learners!
Learning Goals
Students will have a deep understanding of the complexities of zoo operations.
Students will be familiar with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Species Survival Plan.
Students will recognize the importance of zoos in conservation and education.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Good Vs. Bad Zoos
Our first session will introduce the factors that make a zoo "good" or "bad." We will learn about the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and how they certify zoos based on animal care, conservation, and education. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Exhibits & Enrichment
Let's explore zoo exhibits! We will investigate how an animal's needs determines how its exhibit will be designed. We will explore enrichment and how it is incorporated into exhibit design. We will discuss where animals go at night or in a storm, how they stay cool or warm, and how we make sure they stay where they're supposed to be! 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Breeding Programs & Animal Transports
Why do zoos move animals from one zoo to another? And how do they move animals like lions or rhinos? Let's find out! In lesson 2, we will investigate how animals are moved between zoos and the surprising factors zookeepers must consider. We will learn about the Species Survival Plan breeding programs and who gets to decide which animal goes where! 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Conservation & Education
In our final lesson, we will discuss the important roles zoos have in conservation and wildlife education. We will explore the many ways zoos support wildlife conservation, such as with captive breeding programs and rehabilitation programs. We will discuss the importance of education in the role of conservation and the methods zoos use to teach people of all ages about wildlife. 40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined February, 2021
5.0
255reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Arizona State University
I have been an employee and volunteer at zoos and aquariums since 2015. Reviews
Live Group Course
$45
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
40 min
Completed by 28 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
3-10 learners per class
