EDUCATION
DISTANCE LEARNING
EDUCATION
Enjoy live, interactive zoo programs from your classroom or home
Our Distance Learning Programs are led by a Zoo educator and include a mixture of live presentations, interactive tours of the Zoo, and the use of biological artifacts and ambassador animals to make learning fun and interesting. Programs are continuing to be developed so please check back or feel free to contact us if you don’t see something that relates to your curriculum.
Program Fees: $75/program
DISTANCE LEARNING
make learning fun and interesting
No matter where you are, we want to make learning about animal conservation fun and interesting. Our Distance Learning programs are entertaining and interactive to help keep your students engaged and curious about the importance of preserving natural environments.
Adaptations
3rd - 5th Grades Adaptations are unique traits and characteristics that help animals to survive in their environment. There are three types of animal adaptations: structural, physiological, and behavioral. Get an up-close look at the amazing physical and behavioral adaptations animals use to survive! MI Science Standards: 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS2-1.
Animal Enrichment
3rd - 8th Grades Discover how our zookeepers keep our animals physically and mentally active in their zoo habitats. Enrichment is an awesome tool to encourage natural behaviors like running, swimming, climbing, and puzzle-solving, and we'll see how animals respond with pictures, videos, and a live animal demonstration. When we're done, you'll get to design your own enrichment for the animal of your choice! MI Science Standards: 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-2.
Body Coverings
Pre-K - 1st Grades All animals have different body coverings depending on the class that they belong to. Mammals are covered in fur or hair, birds are layered in feathers, and reptiles typically have dry scales. Experience the furry, feathery and scaly side of the animal world and learn why animals have these amazing coverings. MI Science Standards: K-LS1-1, 1-LS1-1.
DISTANCE LEARNING
Explore John Ball Zoo No Matter Where You Are
With our distance learning programs, we make learning accessible and engaging for your students. Explore John Ball Zoo on the go, in the classroom, or in the comfort of your home while learning about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Exhibit Design
3rd – 8th Grades
Dive into the role of an engineer and discover what it takes to create a zoo exhibit. We’ll tour three of John Ball Zoo’s exhibits up close to learn about animal, guest, and keeper needs. Then you’ll become an engineer and create an exhibit of your own!
MI Science Standards: 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-2.
Michigan Habitats
2nd – 3rd Grades
Young scientists learn about native Michigan wildlife and their habitats as we explore the animals that live in John Ball Zoo’s North American habitats. Learn what all animals need to survive while comparing and contrasting the animal’s natural habitat vs. their habitat at the zoo.
MI Science Standards: 2-LS4-1, 3-LS4-3.
Penguineering
2nd – 4th Grades
Explore habitats and classification as it relates to Magellanic Penguins! Students will enjoy this interactive lesson that will challenge them to build their own penguin nests and test it against the environmental elements to see if their nests can make the cut.
MI Science Standards: 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2.