Summary of School Is Back: And So Are Field Trips!:
Brevard Zoo has designed new field trip programs for local schools that align with the science standards of the Florida School System. These programs offer guided walking explorations, interactive experiences, and animal encounters on different age groups and topics. The Zoo’s educators use a roadmap created by an accredited zoo to plan the programs, incorporating grade-specific science standards and guiding questions. The Zoo aims to support local teachers by addressing their learning goals while providing meaningful experiences for students. The programs also include meeting animal ambassadors and enhancing learning through key concepts. Brevard Zoo relies on the support of donations to continue its operations and conservation efforts.
Summary:
1. Brevard Zoo’s Education team has designed new field trip programming that aligns with the Florida School System’s science standards and the Zoo’s mission.
2. The field trips provide guided exploration and interactive experiences focused on different age groups and topics.
3. The Zoo educators use a “roadmap” to plan the programs, incorporating educational practices, multisensory exploration, and animal encounters.
4. The programs have been redesigned to align with the science standards that teachers must cover in each grade.
5. Field trip programs include opportunities to meet animal ambassadors up close and learn about their adaptations.
School Is Back, And So Are Field Trips!
As the school season kicks off, it’s time for one of the most exciting experiences for students and teachers: field trips! At Brevard Zoo, we have revamped our field trip programming to provide unique and fascinating adventures that align with the Florida School System’s science standards and mission.
Dee Maynard, our dedicated Supervisor of Youth Programs, explains that teachers now have the flexibility to choose the field trip program that best meets their needs. To showcase the different experiences available, we will host a Teacher Open House in September, where educators can explore and learn more about our field trip offerings.
At Brevard Zoo, we believe in creating experiences that are not only educational but also entertaining and engaging. Our field trips cater to different age groups and cover various topics. Whether it’s a guided walking exploration through each Zoo loop or an interactive program focused on a specific location, we aim to provide our visitors with diverse experiences.
To ensure the highest quality of educational programming, our Zoo educators utilize a “roadmap” designed by a fellow zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This roadmap is a foundation for planning all our programs, including the field trips. It is divided into sections, each centered around a theme related to Brevard Zoo’s mission and goals. These themes include Zoology, Ecology, Human Dimension of the Environment, and The Nature of Science.
Each section has concepts attached to grade-specific science standards and guiding questions. Our dedicated team then takes these concepts and designs programs that incorporate current educational practices, multisensory exploration, and engaging animal encounters suitable for the age group of the participants. This ensures that each field trip experience is tailored to meet desired learning outcomes.
We understand the importance of supporting and collaborating with local teachers to provide students with the best educational experiences. Florida has mandated science standards that teachers must cover in each grade, and we have closely examined these standards while evaluating and redesigning our programs. Although we do not “teach to the test,” we recognize that field trips that align with the school’s learning goals are more likely to be embraced by teachers. Therefore, we prioritize the needs of both the teachers and the Zoo, striving to create experiences that are both educational and aligned with the curriculum.
Our “EdZoocation” programs are designed to focus on key concepts and enhance the learning experience throughout the day. For example, after participating in our Amazing Adaptations program, students are encouraged to observe the animals they encounter in the Zoo loops more closely. They learn to identify adaptations and understand how they help the animals survive in their specific environments.
Moreover, our field trip programs present a unique opportunity for students to meet several of our animal ambassadors up close. This immersive experience introduces them to animals they might not encounter daily, fostering a deep connection and understanding of wildlife. Meeting our animal ambassadors provides an up-close encounter spa, parks curiosity, and ignites a passion for wildlife conservation.
It’s important to note that Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization. We do not receive recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue serving our community through vital animal wellness, education, and conservation programs. By participating in our field trips, you contribute to the continuation of these initiatives and help us make a difference in the lives of animals and humans.
In conclusion, as school resumes, we are excited to welcome students and teachers back to Brevard Zoo for a thrilling and educational field trip experience. Our redesigned programming, aligned with the Florida School System’s science standards and our mission, aims to captivate and inspire young minds. So book your field trip today and embark on an unforgettable journey into the fascinating world of zoology, nature, and wildlife!
