Education

Back to School at the Zoo

Teachers, school staff and parents of students fascinated by animals: the school year is here and now is the time to schedule classroom programs or tours at the Zoo.

Of all times of the year, an Autumn day gives you your very best chance of great weather for students and Zoo animals alike. Compared to the busy spring months when “everybody” comes to the Zoo, it is predictably less crowded, making bus lines much shorter and exhibit viewing and class management that much easier.

Depending on your school system and grade level, a fall visit may also correlate better to reinforce your life science or Earth science curriculum. Zoo school programs provide a hands-on, brains-on opportunity for students in all grade levels to learn about animals and conservation. Zoo school programs are more than just a field trip; they are a memorable, fun and highly educational way to explore science. Each program includes:

• Up close animal encounters
• Interactive science lessons aligned to Virginia’s Standards of Learning
• Admission to the Zoo for the day for students and chaperones

Or, we’d be happy to lead you on a guided tour for your school group to explore the Zoo with a real animal expert. Our guides will accompany you and your group for a one-hour tour, based on a specific theme of your choice.

We look forward to seeing you and your students at the Zoo and for reasons just mentioned, sooner rather than later!

Streett Coale

School Programs Coordinator