| PROGRAM: |
"Problem-Based Learning and Classifications
- The Fine Art of Sorting Things Out"
The Zoo offers a comprehensive problem-based
learning (PBL) curriculum for teaching classification. The curriculum
offers a real-world application for classification skills and contains
both classroom activities and multi-episode teleconference lessons with
the Zoo. This curriculum provides a guideline for teaching classification
in a relevant context and depends upon the classroom teacher’s commitment
to a 2-3 week problem based-unit. At the elementary level (best for
grades 3 - 6, adaptable for grades 1 & 2), the classification program
uses a problem context of advising the Zoo whether ten potential new animals
could live in the Zoo’s current exhibits. At the middle and high
school levels, the context is the use of macroinvertebrates (bugs) as indicators
of stream quality.
"Problem-Based Learning and Zoo Careers"
This single-episode program uses a problem-based
inquiry method focusing on a real-world project undertaken by the zoo.
For example: The Asian elephant is pregnant. We want to facilitate
a successful birth and prepare for the care and public viewing of the new
baby. Using this project context, students discover a variety of
jobs needed to run the Zoo by working their way through the work tasks
that would be needed to accomplish the project. For each step, via
videotape, students meet Zoo employees who would do the work and hear about
what else the worker does day-to-day, what education and skills are needed
to get that kind of job, and how academic school subjects are applied in
the workplace. This program is aimed at middle and high school students.
"Animal Adaptations and Specializations"
Students will learn about physical and behavioral
characteristics that help animals survive in their specific habitats.
Students will meet animals that are adapted to different climates, eat
different foods, and have different strategies for defending themselves.
They will observe "up-close" the physical characteristics that help these
animals meet their needs in differing environments, and they will create
adaptations for a new animal, based on its climate, diet, and defense needs.
Designed for grades 3 - 8, adaptable for K - 2 and 9 - 12.
"Endangered Species"
Students will learn the five main causes of the
decline and endangerment of animal populations. The program is designed
for grades 4 - 12, with the sophistication of discussion adapted according
to grade level. Hands-on activities for young students help them
follow along and stay engaged. With older students, active discussion
of tough environmental issues can lead to lively debate. Designed
for grades 4 - 12.
"Endangered Species II"
This sequel to Endangered Species presents the
solutions to the problems of declining animal populations. Discussion
builds upon the concepts presented in the Endangered Species program, and
includes global and local strategies and action needed to protect species
from extinction. Designed for grades 7 - 12, adaptable for grades
5 - 6.
"Nobody Likes Me"
Students will encounter frogs and toads, bats,
bugs, and snakes. They will learn why these animals are important
ecologically and what makes them interesting or beautiful. Students
will have a chance to share their thoughts and emotions about these animals,
and negative myths will be dispelled. As they watch, listen, and
participate, older students will create an adopt-an-animal ad for each
animal, to provide a hands-on, kinesthetic component to the program.
Younger students will discuss what they might say in their ad and can complete
the hands-on work as follow-up. Designed for grades K - 5, adaptable
for 6 - 12.
"Classification"
Students will learn the hierarchy of the Linnean
classification system and the key characteristics of either vertebrates
or invertebrates at the class level. By participating in a "20 Questions"
style guessing game, students build an understanding of asking key questions
in a particular order to determine to which group a specimen belongs.
This sets the stage for using and creating dichotomous keys. Designed
for grades 3 - 10, useful for grades 11 - 12.
"A Home to Roam"
Students will receive a behind-the-scenes look
at how Zoo exhibits are designed and constructed. From concept drawings,
blueprints and scale models, to fabrication of boulders, exotic trees and
vines, to final signage and landscaping, video clips and live explanation
reveal how the Zoo re-creates the wild in urban Cincinnati. Note:
This program does not include the use of live animals. Designed for
grades 4 - 12.
"Radiant Rainforests"
Students will learn about the remarkable biodiversity
of two rainforest types - tropical and temperate. Focusing on the
tropical rainforests of South America and the temperate rainforest of the
Pacific Northwest in terms of climate, flora, and fauna. This program
is also available as a two-part series. Concepts of biodiversity
and rainforest layers are introduced first through exploration of the tropical
rainforests, and the comparison with the temperate rainforest follows in
Part II. Designed for grades 6 - 12.
"Bugs, Bugs, Bugs"
Insects are the most numerous and diverse group
of animals on earth. In this program, students will see a variety
of insects and other arthropods (insect relatives) and learn about their
important ecological services, life cycles, and interesting and sometimes
bizarre features. This program capitalizes on the Cincinnati Zoo’s
nationally renowned insectarium, which has one of the largest collections
of exotic invertebrates in the country. Note: Some of the content
of this program is repeated from the bugs section of Nobody likes Me, with
a more in-depth focus. Designed for grades K - 12.
"Conservation Research"
Students get a peak at the real science going
on in the zoo’s research labs related to propagation of endangered species.
Designed for grades 9 - 12.
"Biomes"
Students will receive an introduction to biodiversity.
Designed for grades 9 - 12. |
