Virtual Learning Labs

Virtual Learning Labs explore science concepts and skills, while sharing information about the animals the DZS cares for during a live, interactive session. Programs include a virtual visit to a habitat at the Detroit Zoo, an opportunity to interact with DZS staff, and a math or literacy activity. We are able to accommodate all classrooms’ learning settings; we understand that plans change from moment to moment. The sessions are held weekdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Sessions for grade levels PreK-2 grade are about 45 minutes and sessions for grade 3-8 are about 60 minutes.
$125 for the synchronous Learning Lab

Zoo Tots at School
Grades PK & K

Explore the Detroit Zoo without leaving your classroom! Young learners will practice scientific skills, such as making observations and comparisons, and learn about the animals who live in the African grassland habitat. An optional craft activity will prompt learners to express their creativity and fine motor skills as they decorate a bucket hat to protect them from the elements on a real or imaginary outdoor adventure!

Additional $5 per child for supplies

K-LS1-1

Penguin Care & Welfare
Grades K – 2

Caring for the penguins at the Detroit Zoo is a lot of work! Follow the penguin care team as they provide daily care for each of the five species of penguins at the Polk Penguin Conservation Center and learn the math and science skills team members need to do their jobs. Individual penguins will be highlighted to share their unique stories and a live, virtual visit to the penguin center gives learners an opportunity to ask questions.

K-LS1-1

Polar Bear Adaptations
Grades K – 2

The Arctic Ring of Life is one of the best polar bear habitats in the world! Learn more about this expansive habitat and the bears and sea otters who call it home through a live, virtual visit. Enjoy a decodable (bilingual) book that shares how people adapt to live in the actual Arctic Circle while helping readers practice literacy skills and build global awareness.

K-ESS3-1, 2-LS4-1

Animal feet
Grades K  – 2

You can learn a lot by making careful observations of animals’ physical characteristics, especially their feet! A virtual visit to the Detroit Zoo features a close-up look at several species’ feet to identify unique characteristics and functions. This learner-driven experience allows participants to choose from several animals to investigate. In the process, participants will practice scientific skills, including making observations, comparisons and hypotheses supported with evidence.

3-LS4-3, 4-ESS3-1, 4-LS1-1, 5-ESS3-1

CONSERVATION PROJECT: FALKLAND ISLANDS PENGUINS
Grades 3 – 5 & GRADES 6 – 8

Like many modern-day zoos, the DZS is committed to conserving and protecting wildlife and wild places. Take a virtual visit to the Polk Penguin Conservation Center to check in on the penguins who live there and learn what their daily care entails. Then, engage in a discussion about an important, long-term study on penguins living on the Falkland Islands and how the DZS animal care team uses their extensive penguin care knowledge to help with the research.

3-LS4-3, 4-ESS3-1, 4-LS1-1, 5-ESS3-1

WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST: ISLE ROYALE
Grades 9 – 12

Isle Royale is home to the world’s longest continuous study of predator-prey relationships. With more than 60 years of data about moose and wolf populations, students will take on the role of a wildlife biologist by analyzing information and considering how humans have directly and indirectly changed this isolated ecosystem. Participants will take this one step further and evaluate the perspectives of the plants and animals who call Isle Royale home before justifying their position in the ongoing debate about what is the best course of action for the island’s future.

LS2.A, LS2.C, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4