In this course, students will learn about zookeeping. Each week students will learn about different wild animals. The final project will be a personal zoo map project. The age range is flexible. Students will be led through the zoo creation process as they study different zoos around the world, discuss zoo facilities, research enclosures/animal experiences, and animal care. In the end students will provide a two part presentation of their zoo. The first part of the project is to demonstrate an actual zoo map. The second part will be a zoo commercial. Students can dress up and be creative when they create a commercial on Flipgrid about their zoo.  Along the way students will be learning the basics of Zoology with like-minded students discusses zookeeping along the way. 

Zoology is the branch of biology that studies the animal kingdom, including the structure, embryology, evolution, classification, habits, and distribution of all animals, both living and extinct, and how they interact with their ecosystems. Zoology classes teach you about the developmental, biological and behavioral characteristics of animals and animal life. The field of zoology covers everything from zoo science to human anatomy and is an applicable major for students applying to medical, veterinary and dental school.

This course will be very hands-on and interactive. But the course will be Biology-based as students learn terminology, body systems, and be heavy in science concepts. Students will be responding to discussion questions,  drawing diagrams, and researching animals throughout the course. 

Examples of Student Assignments:
-discuss needs of a zoo
-how zoos purchase animals 
-what the AZA Association stands for
-how to decide on a mission statement for your zoo
-how to help special needs people when they visit (providing sensory and visual components)
-how animals are grouped at a zoo via area/habitats
-touch tanks 
-animal conservation methods
-deciding on your zoo fees for tours and admission
-components of a zoo (parking lot, restaurant, playground, specific habitats, restrooms...)
-endangered, threatened, and extinct animals

Format:
The course will be offered on a semester format, with new lessons provided each Sunday for the week. Since the class is a FLEX class, the format is very flexible so students can log in and work at their own pace. 

Project:
In this course students will be designing their own zoo. The course will feature a virtual zoo tour week where students will be visiting many different zoos for ideas. The project will consist of creating a large animal zoo map on posterboard. That will be the beginning steps, and deciding how you want section off your zoo (by country, by diet, and/or by type). Along the journey students will focus on what types of animals they want to have and the diet needed for each.  The project will be very intensive and detailed, but the teacher will be available to help a long the way. The first part of the project will be on paper. This project is a favorite of all the students, and something to look forward to. 

Recommendations:
-student can read at a 4th grade reading level
-student is willing to log in a minimum of 2 times a week to complete task
-student will be uploading images of finished work from his/her spiral notebook
-student will be responding at times, with video responses showing work and discussing research via Flipgrid
-families will follow up together in regards to assessments provided via Quizlet or Quizizz
-student is willing to complete a mini zoo project

Upon registration you will receive a welcome packet from the teacher, with additional information. Please check your Outschool inbox.