By Heather Barker Vermeer Industry Reporter
Chances are, you’ll have memories of a school trip to the zoo from when you were a student. It’s one of those school experiences that stays with you. On mine, a greedy goose ate someone’s sandwiches, we temporarily ‘lost’ one of the less attentive members of the group, the orangutans got overly amorous, someone stank out the coach with their egg mayonnaise sandwiches, and sick bags proved convenient for someone up the front. Never a dull moment. Whatever your experience, it’s sure to be unique and memorable. And despite the unpredictable shenanigans, modern zoos are now places of education, not entertainment. The zoo trip is a versatile way to expose students to a range of new ideas, activities, real-world issues, and hands-on learning experiences that can be linked to curriculum topics across many subject areas. Whether travelling locally or venturing farther afield, schools provide an opportunity for developing interpersonal skills, as well
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as conservation and climate health learning, animal care and environmental protection. A safe place for children to gain confidence in navigating their way, zoos can be ideal for orienteering activities, allowing students to gain map reading and directional skills. Research from a leading International Zoo Association, estimates 183 million people visit an accredited zoo every year, 69 percent of which are made up of groups or parties that include children. Armed with a newfound knowledge and admiration for the wonders of the animal world, children are more likely to become ambassadors for its protection, on learning about the impact of conservation efforts. This can lead to in-depth projects post-visit and help develop compassionate kids with a thirst for lifelong learning. Development of language skills, understanding of biological concepts and knowledge of different habitats are all on offer, beyond learning about various animals and their conservation. Children will love to learn about the food chain, feeding some of the animals themselves. The sensation of having a giraffe wrap its long tongue around a
stick of celery and extract it from small hands is a memory that will live on long after the meal has been digested. Throwing apples to the elephants and watching how they twirl their multi-purpose trunks to acquire their snacks is a sight to behold.
“With our range of exotic and native flora and fauna, habitatthemed landscapes and staff expertise, Hamilton Zoo can inspire students in terms of future career aspirations, and a lifelong commitment to living in harmony with our natural world.
Zoos and wildlife centres increasingly offer ‘behind the scenes’ school excursions that require active participation in learning, such as the chance to become a zookeeper for a day. Clearing out animal dung is a fragrant but fun task and can provide a sensory experience to remember! Some offer special events and chances to be involved in research programmes, as well as providing curriculum-based learning plans, making the zoo an inclusive outdoor classroom for students of all ages and abilities.
“Our programmes incorporate key curriculum skills and values with a focus on wellbeing and the natural environment. We are continuously adapting models and content for a changing world with a flexible programme that is collaboratively designed and tailored to learning outcomes for diverse groups. Our experienced educators will collaborate with teachers to develop crosscurricular programmes built on the strength of our resources in the heart of the Waikato, inspiring future lifelong learners and solidifying their sense of identity. We have a range of different activities and unit ideas available on our website for teachers and students to modify and use. We discuss learning objectives with teachers ahead of their visit, and teachers that haven’t visited before can do a pre-visit to the zoo where an educator will discuss what they would like from their visit for their students.
What’s On at the Zoo? School News hears from three of NZ’s most exciting school zoo programmes… “When school groups visit Hamilton Zoo,” says Hamilton Zoo Educator, Ken Millwood, “the experience has a positive impact on their participation, learning engagement and school-based achievements”.
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Term 3, 2022 | schoolnews.co.nz
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Learning wild, exploring zoos and wildlife parks