Educational Programs
School Programs
The Zoo offers learning experiences for people of all ages.
These programs are funded in part by the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, the Grimshaw-Gudewicz Charitable Foundation, the Bessie Pappas Charitable Foundation, Sovereign Bank, the H.O. Peet Foundation, the Red Acre Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Bank of America Foundation, and the Challenger Foundation.
Please call (508) 991-6178 x 30 for registration information.
Pre-school and kindergarten
The maximum group size for these programs is 20 children.
Tot Time! Each program focuses on an animal or one section of the zoo. All programs include a guided walk to the designated animal or area, a read-aloud story and a simple, age-appropriate craft.
Choose one of the following topics:
- The Barnyard
- Bears
- Things That Swim (otters, fish, turtles and seals)
- Elephants
- American Favorites (bison and deer)
Length: 45 minutes
Grade, middle and high school programs
Maximum group size for these programs is 30 students. Larger groups must make arrangements for multiple programs.
Guided Zoo Tour Enjoy a stroll around zoo grounds with a zoo educator who will talk to your group about the animals and their habitats. Please note: guided tours are not available in June.
Grades: all, Length: 1.25-1.5 hours, Fee: $90
The Reasons for Seasons Why does our world change with the passing seasons? Visit the zoo to find out how our native plants and animals adapt to these natural variations. This program will focus on observable changes that are taking place at the time of your visit.
Grades: 1 - 3, Length: 1 hour, Fee: $60
The Wonder of Birds What makes a bird a bird? (Hint: It's probably not what you think!) Join us as we explore eggs, feathers and the other unique characteristics of our feathered friends.
Pre-visit activity sheets (PDFs) Wonder of Birds Lesson, Wonder of Birds Vocabulary
Grades: 1 - 3, Length: 1 hour, Fee: $60
Nature’s Transformers Did you know that not all animals grow up the way we do? Some undergo amazing transformations in shape, behavior and even how they breathe! Join us in exploring this marvel of metamorphosis. Students will interact with live Tenebrio beetles at each of their life stages and apply what they have learned to find out about other metamorphosing species. At the end of the program, teachers will be provided with a summary of their class’ observations. Please note: This program will be available after April 25th, 2008.
Grades: 3 - 5, Length: 1 hour, Fee: $60
Animal Adaptations Otters, beavers and seals are all animals that spend much of their time in the water, yet they are quite different from each other. Using inquiry-based activities we will explore how each of these animals has adapted to life in the water.
Pre-visit activity sheet (PDF) Animal Adaptations Lesson
Grades: 4 - 6, Length: 1 hour, Fee: $60
Vernal Pool Ponderings Why are vernal pools so special? Visit the zoo and discover some of the mysterious creatures that call vernal pools home. We’ll investigate the dangers of amphibian life, the death-defying lifestyles of fairy shrimp and the nomadic wanderings of turtles. We’ll also cover the basics of vernal pool identification.
Pre-visit activity sheet (PDF) Vernal Pool Vocabulary
Grades: 4 - 8, Length 1 hour, Fee: $60
Backyard Biodiversity What is biodiversity? Is it an exotic phenomenon found only in far off rainforests or can we find it right here on the South Coast? With nets, boxes, magnifiers and field guides we’ll explore biological communities that live in our own backyards. Please note: this program is not available November - March.
Grades: 7 - 12, Length: 1.5 hours, Fee: $90
