The Toledo Zoo - Distance Learning

Distance Learning

Plug Into the Possibilities!
The Toledo Zoo uses cutting-edge technology to bring interactive videoconference learning to classrooms with compatible equipment. Single or multipoint connections offer the benefits and convenience of a "virtual field trip". Students expand their knowledge by meeting live animals, exploring exhibits and participating in learning activities with the Zoo's education personnel. Our programs are also aligned to National Science Standards.

The cost is $85.00 per class, plus bridging charges for multi-point hookups. For more information please call (419) 385-5721, ext. 2082 or 2044.

Programs Offered:

Animal Adaptations (K-12)

What is an adaptation, how do adaptations happen, and what do they mean to animals and the natural world? Students will review all this and much more as they begin to explore how an adaptation aids survival. Simulations and experiments will help students become better skilled at observing and recognizing adaptations and how they help animals to succeed in their niches. Older students can gain knowledge about natural selection and explore both physical and behavioral adaptations on a more complex level.

National Science Standards met:

NS.K-4.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand that organisms live in specific environments/ conditions
NS.5-8.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand the diversity and adaptations of organisms
NS.5-8.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand structure and function of living systems
SC 2.2 Notice changes in living things, over time

Animal Coverings (K-3)

Explore the differences and similarities among animal coverings through puppets, animal biofacts and live animals. Children will also observe "inside/outside" skeletons and play simple sorting games using beanie animals, foodstuffs, etc. Puppets will introduce the different groups, and then live animals from different classes will visit to show off their covers. The concepts of "camouflage" and "mimicry" will be introduced.

National Science Standards met:

NS.K-4.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand that plants and animals are classified according to their characteristics: body coverings; body structure, etc.
SC 2.1 Recognize the difference between living and nonliving things
SC 2.4 Notice similarities, differences, and categories of plants and animals

Animal Groups (Grades 2-4)

Children will discuss the variety of living organisms and why we name and group them. Concepts of living/non-living and plant/animal will be introduced. Classes will learn that science categorizes animals based on differences and similarities. The terms vertebrate/invertebrate will be introduced. Live animals and animal biofacts will be on hand to "test" whether students have learned the basic differences among five classes of vertebrates (i.e. fish, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians). Students will participate in sorting games that illustrate how groups are formed using similarities and differences.

National Science Standards met:

NS.K-4.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand that plants and animals are classified according to their characteristics: body coverings; body structure, etc.
SC 2.1 Recognize the difference between living and nonliving things
SC 2.4 Notice similarities, differences, and categories of plants and animals

Animal Classification (Grades 4-10)

Students will discuss the variety of living organisms and why we name and group them. They will also learn who created binomial nomenclature, why the world of science needed it, and why we have to learn all that Latin! A few basic Latin root words used in classification will be introduced. Younger students will see carnivore and herbivore skulls (and learn about omnivores) and then discuss how animals can be grouped according to the foods they eat. Older students will learn the word "taxonomy" and the divisions of kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species. Working in groups, students will create mnemonic devices to remember these divisions. Games and sorting strategies will be employed to see how science uses differences and similarities to form groups. Students will classify live animals to test what they've learned.

National Science Standards met:

NS.K-4.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand that plants and animals are classified according to their characteristics: body coverings; body structure, etc.
SC 2.1 Recognize the difference between living and nonliving things
SC 2.4 Notice similarities, differences, and categories of plants and animals

Arctic Animals (K-3)

Students will learn the basic geography and physical characteristics of the Arctic. Students will also have the opportunity to learn more about our polar bears and seals. Special adaptations that help animals and peoples to survive the harsh climate and circumstances in the Arctic will be emphasized to illustrate how life persists in the cold climate.

National Science Standards met:

NS.5-8.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand populations and ecosystems
NS.5-8.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand the diversity and adaptations of organisms
SC 4.4 Understand the importance of natural resources; that the environment provides for the needs of living things
SC 4.5 Show beginning understanding of how human activities may alter the environment

Arctic People and Culture (Grades 2-8)

After a brief introduction to the Arctic, students will learn about Arctic peoples. Focusing on Inuit culture, students will learn what "culture" encompasses. They'll also complete a Venn diagram to illustrate the differences and similarities between their culture and Inuit culture, highlighting dress, transportation, art, games, food, housing, and how animals affect culture. Of course, a look at polar bears and seals is included! Students will finish their session with a PowerPoint review and an Arctic Challenge. Beware! Not many survive!

National Science Standards met:

NS.5-8.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand populations and ecosystems
NS.5-8.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand the diversity and adaptations of organisms
SC 4.4 Understand the importance of natural resources; that the environment provides for the needs of living things
SC 4.5 Show beginning understanding of how human activities may alter the environment

Desert Dwellers (Grades 2-8)

Students will learn what a desert is, where they are, what they look like and explore some of the fascinating animals that live there. A look at the distinctive plants that grow in deserts is featured, too. The primary focus is how living things adapt to the arid conditions and temperature swings.

National Science Standards met:

NS.K-4.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand the basic needs of all living organisms: air; food; water; habitat
NS.K-4.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand that organisms live in specific environments/ conditions
NS.5-8.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand diversity and adaptations of organisms
SC 4.4 Understand the importance of natural resources; that the environment provides for the needs of living things

Endangered Species (K-12)

Students of all ages will learn about the plight of endangered animals with a basic overview of what (who) has caused this dilemma and what we can do about it. Using live animals and biofacts, children will see some of the products and ornaments that animals are used for and see how zoos are working to promote awareness, appreciation and conservation of animals.

K-2 will learn the meanings of "endangered," "extinct," and "habitat." Children will discover how we are all part of the problem but can also work to be part of the solutions, e.g., recycling, reducing, re-using, protecting and creating habitats, and being smart consumers.

3-8 will look at some specific problems causing endangerment, i.e., poaching, over-harvesting, pet trade, habitat destruction, and pollution.

9-12 will look in-depth at some of the complex issues surrounding conservation, i.e., jobs, politics, money needed, space needed, preparing the wild for re-introduction, and considerations for genetic diversity. Students will play a game of "In Jeopardy" with Alexa Treesback and determine if they have the knowledge to help win the most important game of all!

National Science Standards met:

NS.K-4.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand the basic needs of all living organisms: air; food; water; habitat
NS.K-4.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand that organisms live in specific environments/ conditions
NS.5-8.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand populations and ecosystems
NS.5-8.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand diversity and adaptations of organisms
SC 2.2 Notice changes in living things, over time
SC 4.4 Understand the importance of natural resources; that the environment provides for the needs of living things
SC 4.5 Show beginning understanding of how human activities may alter the environment

Food Chains and Webs (Grades 3-8)

Games that create student food chains will help them develop a better awareness of how ecosystems work. Using the premise that "everybody is somebody's lunch," students will appreciate how each aspect of life represents a certain amount of energy and convert that to ecosystems. Of course, since it all starts with the sun, a good review of photosynthesis is included. Children will work together to create an Arctic food chain. To top it off, a living food chain of animals will visit to help students "digest" this material!

National Science Standards met:

NS.K-4.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand the basic needs of all living organisms: air; food; water; habitat
NS.5-8.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand populations and ecosystems
SC 2.3 Understand that plants and animals have life cycles
SC 2.5 Trace the organization of simple food chains/food webs

Rainforest - Layers of Life (K-8)

Tune in to share the secrets of each layer (floor, understory, canopy, emergent layer) of this distinctive biome of abundant biodiversity. Students will review a variety of questions, such as: What is a rainforest? Where are they? What do they look, feel and sound like? Why are they so important? Students will meet a few live rainforest species and also observe an experiment that turns plant by-product into a product they see almost daily in their lives. Experiments and live animals will help your students gain new insights into tropical topics!

National Science Standards met:

NS.5-8.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand populations and ecosystems
NS.5-8.3 LIFE SCIENCE Understand diversity and adaptations of organisms
SC 4.4 Understand the importance of natural resources; that the environment provides for the needs of living things
SC 4.5 Show beginning understanding of how human activities may alter the environment

All programs can be modified to meet specific lesson goals, age levels and experience levels. Call 419-385-5721, ext. 2044 to discuss your needs.

Other Information:

Call 419-385-5721, ext 2082 or 2044 to arrange date(s) and time(s).
We will send you an online registration form. Please complete and email it back to address provided on the form.
We can provide classes via IP or ISDN conncetions.
Test times are Wednesdays from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern time zone. (Please call for IP address)
Maximum of 50 students per session. However, we suggest no more than 30 for the best experience.
Please call to cancel if weather in your area closes school. If the Zoo is closed, we will cancel the session.
Fees will be invoiced to whom ever you direct after program is completed.

Watch for additional special program offerings!