Join us at the Zoo for a day of education and recreation!
When planning your trip, you may choose from the following three
field trip options:
- Basic Field Trip: At
a special group admission rate, students are free to explore the zoo all
day long! Facilities are also available within the Zoo and in Thompson Park
for lunchtime. Admission rates are as follows: $2.25 per child for
ages 4-12 and $4.50 for ages 12 and up. One chaperone for every 10
students is admitted for free. Additional chaperones pay the discounted
adult rate of $4.50.
- Education Program: During
these 30-45 minute programs, students will gather in our Community Classroom
to learn about wildlife biology and ecology. They will also have the
opportunity to encounter several of our live education animals up-close and
personal! Our programs have been designed to meet New York State education
standards. Most programs are geared toward elementary audiences.
However, programs for older audiences can be arranged upon request.
You can choose a program from the list below or we can design a program that
caters to your curricular needs. Cost: $45.00 for first program, $35
for replicate programs. Maximum of 30 students per program please.
This field trip option does not include
admission to the main zoo grounds.
- Field Trip Deluxe: Maximize
your learning experience at the Zoo! This option includes all-day admission
to the zoo at our special group rate plus
an education program in our Community Classroom where students will encounter
several live education animals up-close and personal! Please refer
to the first two options above for descriptions and prices of these two components.
Teachers, check out our Scavenger
Hunts for your upcoming Field Trip! Grades K through 3 can learn about
Diurnal Animals,
while grades 4 through 8 can go on a hunt through our Discovery Center and Children's
Farm.
Education Program Offerings:
Below is a list of themes we cover using our live Education Animal Collection.
Please choose any program you wish- most can be adjusted to match the learning
aptitude of all grade levels. We are also happy to create programs
that will supplement your studies in class. Just ask!
Adaptations Discover how animals from all over
the world possess traits to help them survive and thrive!
Animal Senses Explore nature using all of your senses! Discover
how important senses are to the survival of animals.
Birds/Raptors Our birds of prey are the perfect
creatures to discuss unique, highly-evolved adaptations for hunting.
Desert Adaptations What adaptations do animals
possess that allow them to survive in harsh desert environments? How
do they obtain water? How do they deal with extreme temperatures?
Find out in this specially designed program highlighting desert inhabitants.
Endangered Animals Students will be introduced to several endangered
animals and learn about the factors that threaten their survival, plus what
we can do to help protect them.
Filled to the “BRIM” with Animals Designed to help students identify
characteristics and adaptations of birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and mammals
by getting an up-close look at the special features that define these animal
groups.
Food Chains Learn the major components of a food chain by creating
your own, starting with the sun and building each step using live animals
as examples.
Habitats/Ecosystems We will discuss the definitions of "habitat"
and "ecosystem" while describing the specific habitat requirements of our
featured live animals.
Invertebrates Discover the most abundant animal group in the world
and the importance of these "creepy crawlies" in our lives.
Mammals What makes a
mammal a mammal? Find out in this very furry program!
Nocturnal Animals Discover the creatures of the
dark and what adaptations they possess that allow them to be active at night.
Native NY Species Embrace the animal diversity that exists right
outside your window. Meet a few of our native education animals and
discuss their biology and population status in our area.
Predator/Prey Relationships Students will understand the definitions
of "predator" and "prey" and their relationship. We will also introduce
the concept of food chains/webs.
Reading with the Animals We begin by reading an
age-appropriate animal story, followed by a demonstration of a few animals
mentioned in the book. If you have a particular story in mind, we can
work together to bring it to life. The most popular book we use is
called "Wild About Books."
Reptiles and Amphibians What's the difference between
a reptile and an amphibian? From slimy salamanders to not-so-slimy
snakes, students will learn the features of these two unique animal groups.
Winter Survival How do the animal natives of Northern
New York make it through our long, harsh winters? This program emphasizes
the adaptations of indigenous species.
Offerings are subject to change. Please contact the Education Department
for more information.
Colleen Bernard
Education Coordinator
Phone: 315-755-0896
Email: colleen@nyszoo.org
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