IMPACT REPORT 2024 EDUCATION
2-4
5-12
13-20
21-25
ABOUT US
EDUCATION MISSION
Our Education Team strives to improve the future for wildlife and people by creating welcoming, accessible programs that ignite curiosity, build emotional connections, and bring people closer to nature and each other. Through these experiences, we inspire meaningful action to protect wildlife and preserve wild places for future generations.
EDUCATIONAL METHODS
Our programs are inquiry-based & experiential, encouraging discovery, deep knowledge gains, and emotional resonance.
We understand the power of a ‘profound experience’ and the importance of helping our participants make memories that last a lifetime.
Lessons are grounded in science, but multi-disciplinary, cutting across curricular lines.
Our focus is on authentic content, utilizing our unique resources including our collection, zoo campus, and field conservation initiatives.
We provide participants with do-able conservation actions that have real impact on our world, empowering our community to see themselves as part of the solution, and weaving them into the mission of RWPZoo.
We draw on several proven pedagogical approaches including Reggio Emilia and Constructivism.
We encourage and foster a growth mindset; it is ok to fail, and often our best lessons come from failure paired with continuing to try, thus growing our understanding.
We emphasize social learning (whether in a classroom setting or family visit).
Ambassador Animals are always presented respectfully, encouraging understanding, empathy, and awe.
We believe in the power of play and foster a fun atmosphere that supports this important aspect of learning.
UNDERSTANDING OUR AUDIENCES
We scaffold our lessons based on age-appropriate content and approaches; building empathy and understanding with our youngest learners; emphasizing exploration, discovery, and global context with our elementary-aged students; delving into stewardship and responsibility with our older participants. Our programs strive to understand participants’ expectations and needs, while encouraging them to find meaning relevant to their personal experience. Our staffing structure allows us to specialize in specific audience sector needs and priorities, with area managers for school programs, family programs, and early learner play-based programs. We prioritize inclusive program design, considering a diversity of lived experiences and needs, and respecting diverse cultural experiences that inform participants’ learning.
As described in Understanding our Audiences, the education department features scaffolded areas of messaging in its different programming efforts. For example, based on the philosophies in David Sobel’s Beyond Ecophobia, messaging about negative changes to ecosystems or the complexity of conservation decisions is left out of our Early Childhood Programming (ECP). The focus in these ECP efforts is wonder, connection and empathy. Our middle grade programming focuses on exploration of the wider world and better understanding systems. Our programming for teen and adult audiences emphasizes stewardship and personal responsibility.
QUALITY
Our efforts are always evolving and are informed by current best practices from disciplines including conservation psychology, play study, and pedagogical research. Our programs are developed and assessed using specified outcomes determined by our mission and audience needs. We use the findings of these assessments to constantly improve our efforts. Programming is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, and we work closely with the Rhode Island Department of Education, colleagues in higher education, districts, and classroom teachers to ensure we meet the most pressing needs of schools and students.
BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS
This unique program is designed to foster a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the Zoo. Guests observe engaging animal training sessions, explore staff-only areas, and receive personalized attention from knowledgeable zookeepers. Through captivating anecdotes shared about individual animals and their species, the program emphasizes the high-quality care our animals receive and the profound connection between keepers and their charges. These meaningful interactions aim to inspire a lifelong love for animals and a deeper engagement with the Zoo and its conservation initiatives.
264 PARTICIPANTS
We had so much fun! Can’t wait until the next one!”
“Thank you for bringing us behind the scenes in Life Support, that was really cool to see and learn about the filtration and how you support exhibits. I will never look at that stream the same way again!”
WILD CONNECTIONS
This behind-the-scenes animal encounter program, highlights our Zoo's exceptional animal care standards and showcase the deep bonds between keepers and the animals in their care. This fosters a stronger connection with our zoo and encourages greater engagement with our conservation programs.
166 PARTICIPANTS
I never knew tortoises were so friendly! I love them!”
“Thank you, it was an amazing experience, one we haven't stopped talking about, and am sure we'll keep talking about for some time. So grateful! ”
ZOO CAREERS 101 WORKSHOP
The Zoo Career Workshop aims to expose high school students to the diverse career paths within the zoological field. By connecting students directly with Zoo staff working in various roles, the workshop provides valuable insights into career options and pathways. Sharing personal experiences helps students understand the steps involved in entering the field and inspire them to envision their own career goals.
14 PARTICIPANTS
It was nice meeting with such an extensive group of people who hold different position at the zoo! It gave me more perspective, taught me new things, and expanded upon what i already knew. Gave me a lot to consider”
The goals for participants include newfound respect for the mission of zoos (why zoos matter), respect for animal wellbeing and care, an understanding of the intense intentionality in which decisions are made in a zoo setting, and feeling that they can support the Zoo’s work.
SNORE & ROAR OVERNIGHTS
Overnights offer a unique opportunity for groups of children aged 7 and older to spend the night at the Zoo. This immersive experience includes exclusive interactions with our animal ambassadors, a guided nighttime tour, engaging educational activities focused on nocturnal animal behavior, and a morning tour and session with zookeepers. .
976 PARTICIPANTS
Thank you for such an amazing night! My kids will have this memory for ever.”
“We loved this program and will recommend it to everyone! We loved the animal encounters, zoo tours- especially because Abby was fun and funny and talked about the animals and their unique personalities - information you wouldn't know just by visiting the zoo- it felt special to tour the zoo privately and get inside knowledge!”
“Every portion of the programming was well worth it! Really enjoyed the great variety of activities - personal meet & greet with some of the ambassador animals, the jack o lantern tour, the night time walk of the zoo, ability to stay overnight. ”
YOUNG EXPLORERS
The Young Explorers program provides a valuable early childhood education experience. This free program, designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers, offers a fun and engaging way to explore the natural world together.
From September to April, monthly themes guide a series of self-guided activities, encouraging interaction between children, their parents/caregivers, and Zoo Education & Guest Engagement staff. Each month brings new and exciting experiences, fostering a love of nature and learning in a supportive and enriching environment
1,160 PARTICIPANTS
EARTH AGENTS
In 2018, RWPZ developed the Earth Agents program as part of AZA's 2019 Party for the Planet: Spring Into Action initiative. Inspired by the North American Association for Environmental Education's Guidelines for Excellence for Community Engagement, Earth Agents aimed to empower families as agents of change within their own communities.
By encouraging families to organize and host events sharing simple conservation practices, the program sought to authentically expand the zoo's conservation reach and engage new audiences. Participating families reported increased confidence in their ability to effect change, identified new conservation actions they could take at home, and gained deeper understanding of the environmental impact of their daily choices.
The program successfully expanded its reach in 2020 to include Zoo Miami and Oakland Zoo.
Building upon this foundation, a pilot program in collaboration with Antioch University was launched in late 2024. This pilot focuses on enhancing two-way communication and co-designing more impactful and locally relevant actions for Earth Agents. Three projects are currently underway as part of this pilot, with a comprehensive evaluation scheduled for the end of December 2024.
11 Earth Agent families collectively reached and positively impacted nearly 800 individuals within the community.
ZOOCAMP
ZooCamp aims to foster a deep appreciation for science and empathy towards animals and the environment in campers. This is achieved by engaging them in age-appropriate scientific practices, such as observation, exploration, and inquirybased learning, to investigate life science concepts. The program nurtures a lifelong passion for the natural world. Starting with Tadpole Academy, where young learners ignite their curiosity through playful exploration, campers advance to the Adventure level, delving into more complex scientific ideas. Finally, as Conservation Heroes, students gain a deeper understanding of environmental and conservation challenges and the importance of their voices in advocating for wildlife and conservation efforts.
Roger Williams Park Zoo’s ZooCamp program was named one of the Best STEM Summer Camps in Providence, RI. - SummerCamps.com
Here at camp, she has always felt welcomed and accepted. You guys truly run the best program. Thank you and the whole staff so much for making such an impact on a child who really needed this in her life.”
“I just wanted to say thank you because this has been an amazing week. He has loved zoo camp so so much he won’t stop talking about it! So thank you for making his first ever camp experience so wonde
“We appreciate all the hard work you your team put into making zoo camp best camp ever!”
COUNSELORS IN TRAINING
TEEN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Forty volunteers dedicated an average of 182 hours each during the summer months, resulting in a collective contribution of 7,280 volunteer hours from June to August.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACADEMY
The Environmental Justice Academy investigates the interconnectedness of environmental justice, conservation, and social justice. Through examining the historical roots of wildlife conservation, including its colonialist past, and analyzing how marginalized communities have been disproportionately affected by environmental harm, the program fosters critical thinking in middle-school students. This exploration allows them to understand the deep and complex relationships between these crucial social and environmental issues.
Students actively participate in discussions and activities that explore themes of representation, exclusion, privilege, and racism within an environment that fosters growth, empathy, and understanding. Beyond deepening their comprehension of the intricate relationship between equity, justice, and environmental health, students develop valuable skills in advocacy, navigating challenging conversations, and building meaningful alliances with communities different from their own. This program is possible through the generous funding from the United Way of RI and The City of Providence.
SAN MIGUEL:
The second year of the Environmental Justice Academy at San Miguel School concluded in 2024. The program, which met weekly for an hour on Tuesdays during the 2023-2024 school year, engaged two cohorts of seventh graders.
Cohort 1, from the previous year, met four times to finalize their air quality project. This involved purchasing plants and air quality meters for several Providence schools and conducting a media interview with RIEEA to raise awareness about air quality and environmental justice. Cohort 2 met 31 times throughout the year, culminating in a six-hour field trip, resulting in 37 total contact hours with the 15 participating students.
SOPHIA ACADEMY:
In 2024, the Environmental Justice Academy at Sophia Academy entered its third year, transitioning to an afterschool format based on student feedback from previous cohorts. This weekly program, held for an hour and a half on Mondays, engaged a group of 5-7 fifth through seventh graders in 34.5 hours of environmental learning. The smaller cohort demonstrated strong dedication and passion, focusing their efforts on water quality. Students conducted water tests within the school, engaged in school beautification projects, learned about advocacy through poster creation, and built bee watering stations. Furthermore, they explored the surrounding neighborhood, identifying areas prone to water contamination.
In a separate initiative, members of the Zoo’s operations department, facilitated the installation of a new basketball hoop in the schoolyard, fulfilling a project goal set by the previous year's cohort, which emphasized the importance of safe and healthy green spaces.
The Zoo continued its ongoing support of McCauley House, collecting approximately 150 cans of food per month for their mini food pantry located at the Zoo's admissions entrance.
ZOO SCHOOL
The School Programs team implemented a monthly drop-off program designed to engage homeschooled students and their families with the natural world. Each session incorporated a variety of engaging activities, including discussions, animal encounters, a guided Zoo tour, and a concluding newsletter featuring relevant resources.
196 PARTICIPANTS
NEW IN 2024!
The addition of “Zooschool Miniseries” for both the 6-8 and 912 year old age group. Each miniseries consisted of three classes around a particular topic Fantastic Felines, Incredible Invertebrates, Radiant Reptiles, Playful Primates.
OUT OF SCHOOL TIME PROGRAMS
Out-of-school time programs typically involve a series of sessions where instructors engage with the same group of students for several weeks. These programs, offered before or after the school day, allow for extended learning time and focus on student-led exploration. Instructors introduce key concepts and expectations while incorporating student interests.
A core component involves animal encounters, with students learning to create a safe and comfortable environments for animal ambassadors. Activities include whole-group discussions, games, outdoor exploration, and independent learning stations. Stations provide opportunities for students to choose their own activities that allow them to build and practice science related skills engaging in things like building, art, exploring animal artifacts, solving puzzles, and engaging in imaginative play.
A total of 412 program hours were delivered, engaging 580 student participants across RI.
OUTREACH PROGRAMMING
In addition to school-based programs, the school programs team visited a diverse range of community organizations such as libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living centers, childcare centers and more. Outreach programs varied, adapting to the specific needs of each setting. For example, programs in assisted living facilities often incorporated animal-based therapy. Evening programs for families at schools were also considered part of this outreach effort.
The school programs team facilitated 43 community outreach programs at 29 different organizations.
SCHOOL ZOOMOBILE PROGRAMS
School Zoomobile Programs aim to cultivate student interest and passion in animals, the natural world, and science. This is achieved by engaging students in developmentally appropriate science practices, emphasizing that science is a process of observing, exploring, and asking and answering questions.
To facilitate this, the school programs team conducts year-round "one-off" Zoomobile visits to educational facilities across New England. These single-visit programs, which can be held at the zoo or the participant's facility, incorporate a brief Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS) aligned activity followed by three encounters with animal ambassadors. These encounters foster a deeper connection to the program's learning goals.
432 PROGRAMS INSPIRING
6,566
STUDENTS
100% of teachers agreed/strongly agreed that the program increased their students’ understanding of science concepts and complemented their classroom curriculum.
Distribution of programs throughout RI, MA and CT.
SUMMER AT BROWN UNIVERSITY
This program at Brown University, offers rising 10th-12th graders the chance to experience college-level academics and explore the realities of higher education. Students from across the United States and 75 countries participate in this residential program on the Brown University campus. The Roger Williams Park Zoo has been contributing to this program since 2007 by offering engaging courses. In the summer of 2024, the Zoo provided two distinct offerings: a three-week course on the Conservation of Endangered Species and a two-week course on Biomimicry.
The
course
is very interactive and allowed us to be a part of the lesson.”
CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES:
In the summer of 2024, sixteen students participated. The program focused on empowering students to utilize community resources, such as the Zoo, as valuable learning tools. Participants explored local and global conservation challenges, analyzed potential solutions, and developed their own conservation identities and leadership skills. A key component of the program involved identifying a pressing conservation issue within their community and devising a strategic plan to address it. As a culminating project, each student independently developed and presented a comprehensive conservation plan for an animal species residing in their local environment.
INNOVATION INSPIRED BY NATURE: A BIOMIMICRY CHALLENGE:
Sixteen students from around the world participated in the course. Through the design thinking process, they explored pressing environmental challenges within their communities. Drawing inspiration from nature, students developed innovative and creative solutions to address these issues.
This class has helped me realize that I would love to pursue Biomimicry in college...”
“The most intriguing part of the course is that I am allowed to freely adopt my creativity, thinking beyond reality.”
“thank you all for the amazing experience... It was so amazing to learn how so many designers and engineers are already finding solutions to problems I am passionate about by using this
ANIMAL AMBASSAOR PROGRAM
Animals acting as ambassadors play a vital role in our education programs. By providing direct and engaging encounters, these animals foster a deeper connection between visitors and wildlife. These experiences inspire conservation action by creating memorable and impactful learning opportunities that effectively convey the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.
2024 ANIMAL AMBASSADOR APPEARANCES IN ZOO PROGRAMS: 1,390
GRANTS & SPONSORSHIPS
In 2024, the organization received a $25,000 grant from the Rhode Island Legislature to support free outreach programs for first graders in Rhode Island Title 1 schools during the 2024-2025 school year.
Additionally, funding was secured from the Nordson Foundation and the Royal Little Foundation to provide Rhode Island Title 1 schools with access to programs at the Zoo at a reduced cost. These grants will continue to support school programs throughout 2025.
A significant highlight of the year was the arrival of a brand new Zoomobile, generously sponsored by Centreville Bank. This "Conservation Learning Classroom" on wheels will enhance outreach efforts, bringing engaging and interactive learning experiences directly to communities. The Zoomobile will play a crucial role in inspiring a love of nature in future generations, fostering compassion for all living things, and deepening their understanding of our planet. This transformative gift, will undoubtedly ignite a passion for the environment in countless young minds.
2024 PARTNERSHIPS
LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL:
Students in the Lincoln High School CTE (Career & Tech) program designed and built enrichment for identified animal needs. They created three enrichment projects for the bat-eared foxes, military macaws, and white-cheeked gibbons. Students collaborated with education staff to learn about the role of enrichment in animal well-being. They conducted independent research and designed enrichment based on keeper requests, submitted proposals, received feedback, and then built and delivered the enrichment.
UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND:
The Roger Williams Park Zoo partners with the University of Rhode Island to co-facilitate "Zoo Animal Management," a course led by Professor Justin Richards. Zoo staff from Animal Care, Education, and Operations contribute to the instruction. In 2024, 35 students enrolled in the course.
JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY:
The Zoo annually hosts incoming Animal Science freshmen for a fall visit as part of their introductory course. The program includes a guided tour of the Zoo's Commissary, a meet-and-greet with an animal ambassador, and concludes with a career panel discussion. This year, 25 students participated in the program.
The Zoo hosts a week-long "LEAP Week" experience for high school students from Marianapolis Academy, focusing on the Zoo's role in the Conservation of Endangered Species. This immersive program aligns with Marianapolis Academy's unique "LEAP Week" initiative, where students and faculty dedicate a full week to an in-depth exploration of a chosen topic. During their time at the Zoo, students engage in a variety of activities, including fieldwork, zoo tours, and presentations by guest speakers. The Zoo experience encourages students to explore their passions related to wildlife conservation, fostering hands-on learning beyond traditional classroom settings. LEAP Week emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones and develop a lifelong love of learning. By working alongside teachers in this dynamic environment, students build deeper relationships and bring this newfound enthusiasm back to their daily studies at the Academy.
RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN:
The Zoo partners with the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Industrial Design Advanced Studio: Made for Animals course. Each year, Industrial Design students collaborate directly with the Zoo's Animal Care Manager. Students begin by learning about animal behavior, enrichment, and well-being from the Animal Care Manager and receive guidance on observing and collecting animal behavior data from the Zoo's Education Department. This knowledge informs their design and construction of enrichment items for specific animal needs. Throughout the semester, students engage in multiple site visits to the Zoo to meet with the animal care team and refine their designs before ultimately delivering the completed enrichment projects. In 2024, 12 students participated in the course.
TWINKLE LITTLE STAR:
The zoo partnered with Twinkle Little Star Child Care during the 2023-2024 school year, continuing the collaboration into the 2024-2025 school year. Zoo educators visited three preschool and pre-kindergarten classes each month, reaching a total of 60 children annually. Twinkle Little Star Child Care provided monthly curriculum topics, sight words, and letters, to which zoo educators aligned their programming, incorporating elements like story time, songs, animal encounters, crafts, and games.
OTHER PROGRAMS
CARVING WITH THE MASTERS:
This class offers a unique zoo experience, providing after-hours access, a private pumpkin carving class, and insights into the animal being carved. This exclusive event allows guests to create lasting memories in a child-free environment while enjoying VIP access to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular with expert commentary.
INSIDER TOURS:
Zoo Tours offer a unique experience. Small groups enjoy enhanced visits with a educators in a relaxed, semi-private setting. Benefits include after-hours access, avoiding crowds, and exclusive viewing of new and popular exhibits. Educators share engaging animal stories, emphasizing the conservation work of the Zoo and zoos globally. Tours highlight the dedication to animal care, including keeperanimal relationships, veterinary expertise, and the critical role visitors play in supporting conservation efforts. By exploring the history and evolution of zoos within American culture, these tours provide a deeper understanding of the importance of these institutions.
SCOUT FAMILY NIGHT AT JACK-O-LANTERN SPECTACULAR:
Scout Night at the Zoo offers a unique after-hours experience for scouts, prospective scouts, and their families. This special event provides an opportunity for Scouts BSA members, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts to enjoy the zoo in a fun and engaging environment. Even those not affiliated with scouting are welcome to attend and experience the zoo after dark, including animal encounters, keeper chats, and a Halloween dance party.
www.rwpzoo.org
info@rwpzoo.org
