The Saint Louis Zoo offers over two dozen virtual classes and the option to custom create a program perfect for your students.
We present interactive classes using Zoom software. Connect with us to take virtual tours of various areas of the Zoo and learn about animal adaptations, habitats and conservation programs. All programs are interactive and may utilize any of the following: live video from our Zoo habitats, pre-recorded video footage, biofacts, and other means to create a memorable learning experience.
Requirements for scheduling sites: A minimum connection speed of 384k preferred. We can connect to organizations directly via IP technology to traditional H.323 equipment. For schools without traditional equipment, we can connect via Zoom. We do require a minimum of two week's booking notice for virtual programs.
Pricing
45 minute program: $225
30 minute program: $150 (30 minute program available for only select titles.)
An additional 10% will be added to the program fee for any custom design program.
There is an additional $40 premium service charge for any program scheduled to start after 5 p.m., Central Time.
To get more information or schedule a program, please fill out the form.
Classes
There are over two dozen options for students of all ages! Connect with us to learn about all classes or a custom class tailored for your students.
Animal Doctors: Vets and Their Teams
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 zookeepers, vet technicians to nutrition keepers. Learn about the ways that our animal care team makes sure our animals are happy and healthy.
MO Standards: K.ETS1.A.1, 1. ETS1.A.1, 2. ETS1.A. 1
MO ELS: AL.I.C.2, L.II.A.1, L.II.A.3, L.II.A.5, S.II.A.1-4, AL.1.D.1,L.I.A.1-4
NGSS: LS1.A; LS1.B; LS1.C; LS4.D
Animal Magic
Animals have adaptations that can seem like magic! Our educators have a few tricks up their sleeves to help you learn about amazing animals at our Zoo and in the wild.
MO Standards: Science: K.LS1.C.1, 1.LS3.A.1, Reading: K.1.A.a-d, 1.1.A-a-d, 2.1.A.a-d,
NGSS: K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1 (ESS3.A), K-ESS3-3 (ESS3), 2-LS4-1 (LS4.D)
Animal Tales
Let's combine the powers of science and literacy in this interactive learning adventure! Through books, interactive stories, videos, and so much more we will learn all about animals.
MO Standards: K.LS1.C.1, 1.LS3.A.1 / Reading: (K)1A.a-d, (a) 1A.a-d, (2)1A.a-c, (K)2C.a, (a)2C.a, (2) 2C.a, (a)3B.a, (2)3B.a / Writing: (K)1A.a, (a)1A.a, (2)1A.a, (K)2A.c. (a)2A.c, (2) 2A.c. (K) 2C.a-b & d-e, (1)2C.a-b & e-f, (2)2C.a, (2)2C.c, (2)2C.f
MO ELS: IV-A.1 (PK)b&d, IV-B.1(PK) a-g, EV-D.3(PK)a, VI-B.1(PK)a, VI-B.2(PK) a-c, VI-B.4 (PK)c, VIl-B.2 (PK)a, VIII-A.3(PK)b-d
NGSS: 1-L.S3-1 (LS3.A). 2-L.S4-1 (LS4.D)
Baby Animals
One of the most exciting things at a zoo is when babies are born! In this program, we'll be introduced to some of the babies that have been born at the Saint Louis Zoo, via recorded videos. We'll also learn how animals and keepers care for the babies at the Zoo. This interactive program includes games and a visit with live Zoo animals.
Please note: This program discusses baby animals and due to the sensitive needs of these animals, we will be viewing videos of them. The live animals we may see will be ones that were born at the Zoo, but are now adults.
MO Standards: 1.LS3.A.1, K.PS1.A.1, K.LS1.C.1, K.ESS2.E.1
MO ELS: L.1.A.2, L.1.A.3, S.II.A.1-4
NGSS: 1-LS1-2., 1-LS3-1., 2-LS4-1.
Critter Calls (And More!)
How do you tell someone that you're happy to see them? Or show that you're sad? Animals communicate in many different ways to show how they feel, find a friend, say to others 'stay away,' and more. Through games, videos, and live Zoo animals we will learn about how animals communicate.
MO Standards: K.LS1.C.1, 1.LS3.A.1, K.ESS3.A.1
MO ELS: AL.I.C.2, L.II.A.1, L.II.A.3, L.II.A.5, S.II.A.1-4, AL.1.D.1,L.I.A.1-4
NGSS: 1-LS1-2 (LS1.B), 2-LS4-1 (LS4.D)
Habitat Helpers - PreK-2nd grade
What do you need to be happy and healthy? Do animals need the same things? Let's sing and make art while we learn about the four basic needs of all animals (food, water, shelter, and space). This program may include live animals, an art activity (that can be done during or after your program), and a suggested post activity that reinforces how we can help animals in their habitats.
MO Standards: K.LS1.C.1, K.ESS3.A.1, K.ESS3.C.1
MO ELS: AL.I.C.2, L.II.A.1, L.II.A.3, L.II.A.5, S.II.A.1-4, AL.1.D.1,L.I.A.1-4, L.V.A.1. L.III.A.2, A.II.A.2, A.II.A.3,
NGSS: K-KS1-1
Icky Sticky Animals
Animals do some pretty outrageous things. Let's learn about what makes these 'icky' creatures not 'icky' but neat! join us for experiments and leave with an icky sticky art idea to do on your own.
MO Standards: K.LSI.C.1
MO ELS: L.II.A.1, L.II.A.3, L.II.A.5, S.II.A.1-4, A.II.A.3
NGSS: K-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1
What is an Animal?
How do you know if something is alive or not? Or if it's a plant or an animal? Let's break it down together as we discover the characteristics of living things through song, games, videos, and checking in with our live animals at the Zoo!
MO Standards: K.ESS3.A.1
MO ELS: L.V.A.1, A.1.A.2, AL.I.C.2, L.II.A.1, L.II.A.3, L.II.A.5, S.II.A.1-4, AL.1.D.1,L.I.A.1-4
NGSS: K-LS1-1., 2-LS4-1
Surviving the Seasons
Let’s explore the unique
adaptations that allow animals to survive in different seasons. From
winter hibernation to keeping cool in the summer, each season holds
secrets to their survival.
MLS: K.ESS1. B.1, K.ESS3.A.1, K.ESS2.E.1 3.LS1.A.1
NGSS: K-LS1-1., K-ESS3-1, 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1
Pole to Pole
Dive in and explore the lives of penguins and polar bears with the Saint Louis Zoo. We’ll discover the creature features that help these polar animals survive in their habitat and take a virtual visit to their Zoo homes.
MO Standards: K.LS1.C.1, K.ESS3.A.1 1.LS3.A.1, 3.LS3.B.1, , 3.LS3.C.1 , 3.LS3.D.1
NGSS: K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2
Animal Champions
Can you run as fast as a cheetah or leap like a lemur? What makes you a champion? Animals can be champions too! This interactive program will introduce students to animal adaptations and how these adaptations help animals survive.
MO Standards: K.LS1.C.1,K.ESS3.A.1,1.LS3.A.1, 4.LS1.A.1, 5.LS1.A.1
NGSS: MS-LS2-4. (LS2.A, LS2.C. MS-LS4-4. (LS4.B, LS4.C). MS-LS1-4 (LS1.B). 3LS2-1 (LS2.D)
Zoo Clues
Problem solving and mysteries are just another part of the job for zookeepers and vets. Join us as zoo detectives to learn what these mysteries are, how and why we need to solve them, and then we'll also solve some mysteries of our own!
MO Standards: K.LS1.C.1, 4.LS1.D.1, 1.LS3.A.1. 3.L53.C.1
NGSS: NS.K-8.1, NS.K-4.3. NS.5-8.3
Nature of Science: Classification
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.
MO Standards: 1.LS1.A.1, 1.LS3. A.1, 3.LS3.B.1, 4.LS1. A.1, 4.LS1. D.1, 5.LS1.A.1
NGSS: 2-LS4-1
Animal Medical Care: Vets and Their Team
Veterinarians and the entire animal health team keep our Zoo animals happy and healthy! From vet technicians to nutrition keepers, learn how people use science, creative thinking, math, and more as part of their dedication to caring for all animals.
MO Standards: 3.LS3.C.1. 3.ETS1.A.1. 4.ETS1.A.1, 5.ETS1.A.1
NGSS: LS2.D; LS1.B; LS1.A; ETS1. B
Nature of Science: Adaptations
Animals have many features and abilities that help them do more than just survive! This program explores a variety of physical and behavioral animal adaptations with a fun, engaging presentation that includes animal biofacts.
MO Standards: 4.LSD1.D.1
NGSS: 3-LS3-1 (LS3.B). 3-LS4-3 (LS4.C). 4-LS1-1 (LS1.A)
The Dirt on Dirt
Dr. Worm, expert vermicomposter, will show you the dynamic world of decomposers. Find out how dirt made your lunch, investigate a worm's habitat, and even meet a few new wiggly friends. Learn why worms are important and how they help eat our garbage
MO Standards: 5.LS2.B.1
NGSS: MS-LS2-2. (LS2.A, LS2.C, LS4.D, ETS1. B). MS-LS2-3. (LS2.B). 5-LS2-1. (LS2.A). HS-LS2-6
Animal Training
Animal training is an important role of the zoo keepers at the Saint Louis Zoo! Join a zoo educator to learn what animal training is all about and how zoo keepers use positive reinforcement training to provide daily care, like health monitoring, for the animals at the Zoo.
MO Standards: 6-8.LS2.C.1; 6-8.LS2.C.2; 6-8.LS4.B; 9-12.LS1.A.2
NGSS: MS-LS1-8; MS-LS2-1; MS-LS2-3: MS-LS4-5: HS-LS1-2; HS-LS2-6; HS-LS2-7
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is as complex as it is important for our natural world. It is no secret that there are many species across the globe that are increasingly at risk of extinction. Thus, it is important to understand biodiversity and human impact. Students will learn about biodiversity hotspots as they engage in an inquiry-based activity and observe biofacts, while also learning about current conservation work.
MO Standards: 9-12.LS2.C.1, 9-12.LS2.C.2, 9-12.LS4.C.3, 9-12. ETS1.B.1
NGSS: HS-LS2-7 (LS2.C), HS-LS2-7 (LS4.D), HS-LS2-7 (ETS1.B)
Contact the Education team at outreachrequests@stlzoo.org. Note: Custom designed programs may include additional fees.
Important Details
Our programs have also been aligned to the following National Science Education Standards, depending on the grade level:
NS.K - 12.1 Science as Inquiry
NS.K - 12.3 Life Science
NS.5 - 12.6 Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
An invoice will be sent promptly once a program date and time is agreed upon. A credit card payment for the full amount will be due within two business days of the invoice being emailed. If you need to pay via check, a minimum of two months booking notice is required. Your program is not confirmed, and a unique Zoom link will not be provided, until full payment has been received. We are unable to schedule programs with less than two weeks' notice.
One Month Prior to Program:
A full refund will be issued minus a $5 cancellation fee if you notify the Education Department at least one month prior to your program. There is a $5 cancellation fee per program.
Between ten business days and one month Prior to Program:
You are entitled to a 50% program fee refund if you notify the Education Department between 10 business days and one month prior to your program date.
Less than ten business days Prior to Program:
There is no refund for groups that cancel with less than two weeks' notice.
Please note: In the event that your school and/or the Zoo is closed the day of your program due to weather, we will try to reschedule your program or issue a full refund.
Program transfers may be approved based on our ability to reschedule you. Transfers are determined by resource (space, instructor, etc.) availability. A $5 transfer fee will be charged per program for the first transfer date. A $10 transfer fee will be charged for additional transfers. Transfer fees must be paid with credit card at the time requested. We cannot accommodate same day or next day transfers.