Ecology Classes

Education classes take place in our classrooms in The Living World and may include live animals, biofacts, activities, experiments, demonstrations, slides and/or discussion. Programs are available September through May unless otherwise indicated.

WILDLIFE AROUND US

Grades PS-K
Program length: 20 minutes
Fee: $30 (ZMD $25)

Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $55 (ZMD $40)
Offered September through May

Habitat, habitat, you've got to have a habitat! Discover how familiar, local wildlife finds a home and "makes a living." Learn how our human basic needs to survive (food, water, shelter, space) compare with those of animals.

HABITAT IS HOME

Grades K-3
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $55 (ZMD $40)
Offered September through May

What is a "habitat?" Choose from one of the specific continents listed below. Students will meet and learn about animals from that continent and explore their specific habitat needs (food, shelter, water and space). Visit us throughout the year and take all three classes!
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations:III-1A (1^st) a

African Animals
Students meet and learn about animals from Africa and explore their habitat needs.

South American Animals
Students meet and learn about animals from South America and explore their habitat needs.

North American Animals
Students meet and learn about animals from North America and explore their habitat needs.

WHO EATS WHOM

Grades K-3
Program length: 20 minutes
Fee: $30 (ZMD $25)

Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $55 (ZMD $40)
Offered September through May

Students trace the food chain from sunlight to decomposition. Who are the producers and consumers, predators and prey in the web of life? Students will meet animals that eat plants, animals that eat animals, and animals that eat both.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations:IV-1A (1^st) a, 2A (3^rd) a,b,c,d

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

Grades 3-5
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $55 (ZMD $40)
Offered September through May

Discover Missouri's diverse wildlife and wild places. Students will get to know some animals they might find in their own backyard. They will also become familiar with environmental issues affecting Missouri animals and habitats.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: IV-1A (4^th) a,b, 1D (4^th) a

WORLD ECOLOGY

Grades 4-8
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $55 (ZMD $40)
Offered September through May

The diversity of animal life on our planet is a result of Earth's diverse and unique wild places. Each species is uniquely adapted to its biome, habitat and niche.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: IV–1A (4^th) a,b, 1A (6th) a, 1B (6th) a, b, c, 1D (6th) a

TROPICAL RAINFORESTS

Grades 4-8
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $55 (ZMD $40)
Offered September through May

Meet animals from the different layers of the tropical rainforest. Discuss the threats to this very diverse biome. Learn how to help protect rainforests and the animals that live there.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations:IV–1A (4^th) a,b, 1B (6^th) a,b,c, 1D (6^th) a,b,c

WEB OF LIFE

Grades 4-8
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $55 (ZMD $40)
Offered September through May

Students learn how predators, prey, plants, scavengers and decomposers are linked in an intricate web of energy and life. This introduction to energy cycles and food webs includes a discussion of animal dentition (teeth) to distinguish herbivores, omnivores and carnivores.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: IV–2A (4^th) a,b,c, (6^th) a