Get excited about engineering and all the creative ways to build animal habitats! Students will consider the four needs all animals have (food, water, shelter and space) and the specific needs of individual animals. This program includes biofacts and a chance for students to build unique miniature habitats (students will not take habitats home, but teachers are welcome to take pictures to share with students and their families). This title is not available for large group bookings.

Length: 45 minutes

MO Standards: K.LS1.C1, KESS3.A.1  

NGSS: K-LS1-C, 1-LS1.A, 2-LS4.D  

A vet’s job is very important in caring for animals at our Zoo, but they can’t do it alone! It takes a whole team, from vets to keepers, vet technicians to nutrition keepers. Learn about the ways that our animal care team makes sure our animals are happy and healthy. This title is not available for large group bookings.

Length: 45 minutes

MO Standards: K.LS1.C.1, 1.LS3.A.1, K-2, ETS1.A.1

NGSS: 1-LS1-1.A, 1-LS1-1.B, K-2-ETS1-1.A

At the Saint Louis Zoo you can see animals in different stages of life! Join us as we examine the life cycles of different species as they grow and transform into adults. This title is not available for large group bookings.

MO Standards: K.ESS3.A.1, K.ESS2.E.1, 1.LS3.A.1, 1.LS1.A.1, K.ETS1.B.1, 1.ETS1.B.1, 2.ETS1.B.1, K.1B.a., 1.1B.f., K.1A-1C.c., 1.1A-1C.c., 2.1A-1C.c.

NGSS: K-LS1-1., SL.K.5, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, W.1.7., 2-LS4-1, W.2.8

(program adjusted to appropriate grade level)

What makes a penguin different from a sea lion, or a snake different from a bee? As scientists, students will work in groups to create their own classification methods and learn how and why scientists sort animals based on their characteristics.

Length:45 minutes

NGSS: 2-LS4-1

(program adjusted to appropriate grade level)

When people think of pollinators, they often think of our insect friends, like bees and butterflies, but what about the furry ones? Specifically, a furry friend originating in Madagascar that is also supported in conservation by the Saint Louis Zoo. Participants will discover the importance of lemurs as pollinators through hands-on activities about these praiseworthy primates!

Length: 45 minutes

MO Standards: 2.LS2.A.2, 6-8.LS1.B.1

NGSS: 2-LS2.A-2: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

(program adjusted to appropriate grade level)

Through student-led observations in the classroom, participants will learn how animals are connected, to people and each other, as they use their physical and behavioral adaptations to survive in their habitat.

Length: 45 minutes

MO Standards: 3.LS1.A.1, 4.LS1.A.1, 3.LS3.C.1, 3.LS3.D.1

NGSS: 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1, MS-LS1, MS-LS2-1

Surf the web of life from sunlight to decomposition. Discover who eats what (or whom) as you investigate how energy moves through a food web and explore how animal dentition impacts what they eat. Learn about the Zoo’s Orthwein Animal Nutrition Center and how the Zoo nutrition team meets animal dietary needs. This title is not available for large group bookings.

Length: 45 minutes

MO Standards: 2.LS2.A.2, 2.ETS1.A.1,

NGSS: K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, 2-LS4-1

This hands-on dissection class will introduce students to appropriate scientific tool use to explore what owls eat by dissecting an owl pellet. A Zoo educator will lead the class on techniques to successfully find potential bones, fur and feathers in the pellet, as well as answer owl-specific questions. Students will work in small groups during this class. This title is not available for large group bookings.

Length: 45 minutes

MO Standards: 5.PS1.B.1, 5.PS3.D.1, 5.LS2.B.1, 3.LS3.C.1, 3-5.ETS1.B.1

NGSS: 4-LS1-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1

Why did the chicken cross the road? We still don't know, but at the Zoo we might ask, why did the bear climb the tree? In this program students will learn why animal behavior is an important area of study for zoos. Students will spend time outdoors observing the Zoo animals and will learn how behavior observations are used to make decisions about animal care.

MO Standards: 5.LS1.A.1, 6-8.LS1.B.1

NGSS: RI.5.9, (5-LS2-1), (MS-LS2-2), RST.6-8.1, RST.6-8.8, WHST.6-8.9, MS-LS1-4.

(program adjusted to appropriate grade level)

How important are apex predators or tiny pollinators? In this program, students will reflect, discuss and learn about how the variety of life on Earth is important to animals, habitats and humans, while engaging in biofact exploration. Discover how the Zoo is helping out in biodiversity hotspots around the world and ways everyone can make a difference. This title is not available for large group bookings.

Length: 45 minutes

MO Standards: 6-8.LS1.B.1, 6-8.LS2.A.1, 6-8.LS2.A.2, 6-8.LS2.C.1, 6-8.ESS3.C.1,

NGSS: MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-ESS3-4, MS-LS1-4

The Zoo is like a small city, with a variety of careers. In addition to well-known careers, like keeper and veterinarians, the Zoo has its own security team, a finance team, a facilities management department and even a horticulture team. The Zoo has a home for everyone! Learn more about working at the Zoo and what steps you can take now to potentially work at the Zoo in the future.

(program adjusted to appropriate grade level)

This program empowers students to become eco-conscious decision-makers by providing them with practical tools and resources to make sustainable choices in their own lives. From learning about the Seafood Watch program to understanding the global impact of palm oil production, participants will learn how industries can influence ecosystems and wildlife around the world. Through real life examples from the Zoo, students will also discover the critical role they play as consumers and learn practical steps to support sustainability in their own lives.

Length: 45 minutes