K4–1st Grade*

Teachers receive a curriculum packet with pre- and post-visit activity ideas for use in the classroom and at the Zoo.

Area skill sets are coded at the end of  each program description:

  • EE-Environmental Education
  • S-Science
  • E-English Language
  • SS-Social Science
  • M-Math
At-Zoo cost per program : $40 for 10-20 children; $50 for 21-30
Program times : 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. (Large groups can be accommodated with a third session)
Program length : 1 hour
Maximum students/session : 30

Bat Magic
October 6 – 29
Bats are hard workers! A single little brown bat can catch 600 mosquitoes in just one hour. Other bats, like fruit bats, help new plants grow. Learn the truth about bats, create a roosting bat craft, and view bats in their Zoo home. Discover how important these creatures really are! (S, E, M) How to Register

Let’s Talk Turkeys
November 3 – 21
Flying through the air with the greatest of ease…did you know that a turkey is capable of flying almost 55 mph but prefers to run from its predators? Learn more amazing facts about our feathered friends, and make a terrific turkey to take home. (S, E, M) How to Register

Animals in Winter
December 2 – 19
A blanket of winter snow may be beautiful, but it creates a lot of work for animals! From butterflies to bears, learn how seasonal change affects animal behavior. Observe a live animal and design a winter wildlife survival guide. (EE, S, E, M) How to Register

Penguins
January 29 – February 20
Penguins are birds that can’t fly, but they sure soar in the sea. Some can dive for up to eight minutes. Learn more “cool” penguin facts, such as how their “tuxedos” help them disappear in the water, and make a penguin craft. Note: A live penguin may not be available to visit the classroom for all program sessions. (EE, S, E, SS) How to Register

Dairy Farm Delight
March 3 – 20
Learn how a cow’s body turns grass into milk and how milk gets from the farm to the store. Visit the Zoo’s working dairy farm after munching on an “udderly” delightful snack and creating a cool cow craft. (S, E) How to Register

Wild About Cats 
April 1 – 28
Join us for a “purrfecty” wonderful class as we study the spots, stripes and speed of some really wild cats. Touch real tiger fur and lion paws and then transform yourself into your favorite feline. (EE, S, E) How to Register

As Big As They Come
May 4 – 22
Take a safari to see Africa’s largest mammals. Learn about giraffes, hippos, rhinos, and elephants as you feel the hides, “horns” and astounding feet of these amazing animals. Make an elephant craft complete with tusks, big ears, and long trunk! (EE, S, E, SS, M) How to Register

At the Zoo or at Your School*
We'll present the following programs at the Zoo or at your school, with 1-2 live animals, September 23, 2008 - May 22, 2009.

At Zoo cost per program : $40.00 for 10-20 children; $50 for 21-30
Zoo to You cost : $60 first session, $40 per additional session
Program times : flexible
Program length : 45-60 minutes
Maximum students/session : 30

Movin’ & Groovin’ Animals  Zoo to You
Swing, slide, jump, or glide — animals have developed countless ways to get around. Fast, slow, always on the go; learn about animal locomotion as we look at interesting animals and their unique ways of moving. We require an open space as we encourage the children to participate in movement activities during the program. (S, E, M) How to Register

Animal Senses  Zoo to You
Owls see in the dark and butterflies taste with their feet! Explore more fascinating animal senses, learn how humans use their senses and play a five-senses game. (S, E, M) How to Register

Creature Features  Zoo to You
Explore the characteristics of living and non-living things and compare plants with animals in this program. We’ll also distinguish between creatures with and without a backbone, and make a “lively” craft. (EE, S, E) How to Register

Critter Covers  Zoo to You
What makes an animal a reptile, amphibian, fish, mammal or bird? Learn about animal classification in a fun presentation while touching real scales, skin, fur and feathers, and make an amazing body covering decoder. (S, E) How to Register

Wisconsin AnimalsZoo to You 
Wildlife is all around us…even in our own backyard. Learn all about animals that are native to Wisconsin and discover why some animals do so well in the city. Show your state pride by making a Wisconsin animal of your own. (EE, S, E, SS) How to Register

* Outreach programs for K4 and K5 (4-year-old and 5-year-old kindergarten) classes are available only to schools involved in a state-certified education system that offers a high school diploma.