School Programs

Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

Programs for Pre-K

Animal Alphabet
Your students’ adventure will begin with a rousing rendition of the alphabet song, then continue with up-close encounters with turtles and other animals. Early learners will recognize, identify, and write letters to solve wildlife word puzzles. From antelopes to widgeons, your students will discover a living alphabet at their fingertips.
Time: 60 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day

Elementary Programs

K–2nd Grade

Size and Shape
Some animals are long and thin while others are round like a ball. Through small group work and in-class visits with animals, students will compare and contrast sizes and shapes and recognize these as adaptations that help an animal survive. Science-based activities exploring measurement as well as how animals grow and change also support English language art and math skills.
Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day

Animal Survival Needs
In this program, students will explore what a habitat is and identify the living and non-living parts. Students will recognize what animals need from their habitat to survive and how they get it. From a snake’s tongue to an owl’s ears, up-close observations of animals in the classroom along with visits to zoo exhibits will allow students to compare the similarities and differences among animal senses.
Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day

1st–3rd Grade

Birds
From feathers and beaks to eggs and nests, students will learn about the major characteristics of birds. After examining different types of feathers to determine their functions, students will partake in a round of Birds Fly… Why Can’t I?  Visits to zoo exhibits and in-class observations of a couple of fine-feathered friends will complete this all-avian adventure.
Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day


Mammals
Students will begin this program by sorting photos that demonstrate the amazing diversity of mammals. Then, they will explore Mammal Clue Kits to discover the unique characteristics of mammals and learn what sets them apart from other classes of animals. Up-close encounters with some furry friends along with visits to zoo exhibits make this program an excellent learning opportunity.
Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day

3rd–5th Grade

Endangered Wildlife
What are the major causes of wildlife endangerment and extinction? How have people changed the natural world over time? In this program, students will investigate Threats to Wildlife Boxes and visit the zoo’s exhibits. They’ll discuss issues related to the development or protection of wildlife areas and leave this program with an understanding of conservation actions they can do every day.
Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day

Wild America
Discover various habitats at the Zoo, from field to forest, and prairie to pine woodlands. Students will explore the characteristics of these ecosystems and some of the animals that live in them. Through up-close observations of animals and looking at habitat study boxes, students will learn how these habitats provide for their animal residents and how humans affect and help maintain the wilds of the Americas.
Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day

6th–8th Grade

Animal Nutrition
How much does a bison eat? Do the Andean bears really eat fruit? Students will study the differences between omnivores, carnivores, and herbivores at the Zoo. They’ll learn how keepers handle the dietary needs for the animals by studying various animal diets, observing animals at exhibits, and taking a behind-the-scenes look at how foods are prepared at the Zoo.
Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day


Enriching Experiences
Zoos spend a great deal of time providing their animals with behavioral enrichment. Learn about the different foods, toys, and activities that the keepers give to the animals daily that enhance their physical and mental well-being.. Through observations and the use of ethograms, students will learn how these things positively affect an animal behavior.
Time 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class
$100 for each additional class Maximum of 4 classes per day

High School

Oh Behave!
Through studies of animals in the Zoo, students will learn how important it is to provide enriching experiences for the animals in our care. Students will prepare items that can be used to enrich particular animal exhibits and then using an ethogram they will study the effect of those items before and after they are introduced. This is an in-depth opportunity or students to see how Zoo keepers are involved in caring for out animal collection.
Time 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class
$100 for each additional class Maximum of 4 classes per day

Wildlife Careers
A modern zoo brings together an amazing diversity of wildlife careers. In this program, students will take an inside look at exciting opportunities they may never have thought of, by learning about field biologists, veterinarians, zookeepers, exhibit designers, and wildlife photographers. They’ll meet animals and visit exhibits to explore the multitude of careers involved in the care and conservation of animals.
Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day

School Reservations and Information

Due to their great popularity, Education Department programs are scheduled well in advance. We recommend that you contact us as early as possible to schedule a program. In some cases, space may be available on shorter notice.

Program Registration

1. To make a reservation, please call the Education Department at 718-271-7361, Monday through Friday, between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Reservations for school programs are handled by phone only at this time.
2. Maximum program class size is 32 students. Schools are not allowed to combine classes to reach a class size of 32 students. One adult for every ten students is required, with a maximum of four adults.
3. We welcome students with special needs. Please be sure to mention special needs or disabilities when registering so that we can place your class in a wheelchair-accessible classroom. We require one adult for every two students in special education classes (maximum class size of 12 students).
4. Once your information has been processed, a contract will be mailed to you.
5. A confirmation letter with program information, including session dates, times, and classroom locations, will be mailed to you. Please sign a copy of the contract and either return it by mail or fax it to 718-271-4441. Present this letter at the front entrance gate to the Zoo on the date(s) of the scheduled session(s) for free general admission for your class, and three other adult chaperones. Instructors will meet you at this gate to bring you to the appropriate classroom for your program.
   

Payment Policy
Fee-based programs must be pre-paid by the school or district (purchase orders accepted). Under no circumstances will classes be offered without full payment or purchase order and a signed contract, which must be returned within three weeks after it is received.

Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be received by the Queens Zoo Education Department in writing, by mail or fax (718-271-4441). Cancellations made at least 4 weeks in advance will receive a 50 percent refund. There are no refunds for programs canceled less than four weeks prior to the scheduled date of program. Please note that any request to reschedule your class is equivalent to a cancellation.

Late Arrivals
Due to a very full schedule, programs will not be extended for late-arriving groups beyond the scheduled end time. Staff will make every attempt to cover as much material as possible in the time available. Please visit our directions page in advance of your trip.

Weather Conditions
All programs are held as scheduled (regardless of weather) unless field trips are cancelled by the Chancellor’s office. Please encourage your class to dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Attempts to reschedule your classes will be made at the earliest available date but cannot be guaranteed.

Queens Zoo Admission Policy for Visits Only
All schools not participating in an Education Department program do not need to pre-register for a group visit. Regular admission fees apply.

Payment can be made in cash or by personal or school check on the day of your trip. For additional information contact the Registrar at 718-271-7361.