·HOMESCHOOL CLASSES

 

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory hosts creative,
hands-on classes designed especially for homeschool students. During each class, students will explore the natural world with art projects, plant and animal visitors, scavenger hunts and more. A variety of age appropriate activities are incorporated into each program. There's something for everyone!

These classes are age appropriate for children 5-15 (as noted).

Register online by clicking on the class code (example: HS249).

Discounted rates are available for members of Como Friends (formerly Como Zoo and Conservatory Society). For more information on Como Friends memberships, call (651) 487-8229 or click here.

Are you a member of Como Friends and want to register online?
Call 651-487-8272 for special instructions.

For more information about classes, please contact Como Education by calling
651-487-8272 or emailing us at comoeducation@ci.stpaul.mn.us.




2009/2010
Homeschool Classes

LIFE ON THE PRAIRIE – NEW! (Ages 5–15)
The use of seed balls as a means to regenerate the prairies of days gone by makes for wonderful stories and hands-on experiences. During this class, you will collect seeds from some of our gardens and make seed balls to take home and plant in the spring. In addition, you’ll meet some of the zoo animals that helped shape life on the prairie.
HS251 Wednesday, September 30 1:00p – 2:30p

WOLVES (Ages 5–8)
As the center of many stories, myths, and legends, wolves have fascinated people for centuries. Join us as we learn about the daily lives and behaviors of wolves, examine how they communicate, and make a visit to the Wolf Woods exhibit at Como Zoo.

PLANT & ANIMAL PARTNERS (Ages 5–8)
Sure animals depend on plants, but did you know plants depend on animals too? Everything in nature is connected through the web of life. In this class, we’ll investigate some of the unique partnerships between plants and animals that make the world an amazing place to explore.

PLANT & ANIMAL PARTNERS – IN DEPTH (Ages 9–15)
Everything in nature is connected through the web of life. In this class, we’ll investigate some of the unique partnerships between plants and animals that make the world an amazing place to explore. In addition to reviewing concepts like food webs and plant and animal interdependencies, we will look deeper into specific plant and animal partnerships.

ENDANGERED SPECIES (Ages 9–15)
Learn about the conservation programs zoos and conservatories participate in to help endangered species everyday. Meet a variety of rare plants and animals that will give you good reason to make “earth-friendly” choices. Take home information that will empower you to make a difference.

ANIMAL TRACKS & TRACES (Ages 5–8)
Where do all the animals go during the cold winter months? The animals that brave our chilly winters are often hard to find, but leave several clues to their whereabouts. Take a wintery hike to discover the tracks and traces that give away the secrets of Minnesota's toughest animals.

SWEET TREATS (Ages 5 – 15)
Americans spend more than $1 billion on candy for their valentines each year.  Much of that money is spent on chocolate.  Once a form of currency traded by the world’s wealthiest people, chocolate has a history as rich as its flavor.  Explore the world of chocolate and other tasty tropical treats as we dip into this delicious topic.
             

MARCH 17th, 1st ANNUAL HOMESCHOOL DAY!

Plants that Care (Ages 5 – 8)
HS258 – 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Do you experience motion sickness when you travel?  Try ginger.  Have a stomach ache?  Black pepper may be your solution.  Are you a fan of tapioca pudding?  Thank the cassava plant.  The North Garden of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is filled with plants that have taken care of humans for centuries.  Discover how people have tapped the endless resources that plants provide through this hands-on adventure.

Plants and People (Ages 9 – 15)
HS259 – 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
We depend on plants for more than just food and oxygen.  We also depend on plants for fibers and shelter, medicines and healing.  Using the North Garden of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory as our guide, we will uncover the mysteries connecting plants, people, and cultures from around the world.

Life in a Zoo (Ages 5 – 8)
HS260 – 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Explore the life of a zookeeper and learn how the animals are cared for during “Life in a Zoo.”  You will be introduced to the enrichment program at Como Zoo as you work in teams to creative activities for a few of our education ambassador animals.  We’ll learn a little bit about what it takes to feed a zoo and explore the world of animal behavior as we watch the animals interact with enrichments right in the classroom!

Life in a Zoo In-depth (Ages 9 – 15)
HS261 – 1:00 – 2:30 PM
The enrichment program is an important aspect of providing quality animal care for the animals at Como Zoo.  During this class, we will explore animal diets, behavior, and husbandry needs.  You will also put your problem solving skills to the test as you work in teams to design and create enrichment activities for a few of our education ambassador animals.  All of this without ever needing to leave the classroom!

 

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE (Ages 5 – 15)
Take a trip down the Mississippi River as we investigate the importance of water, water everywhere.  Learn how our use of water in the Midwest affects life in the ocean.  Take home a wealth of resources you can use to continue your exploration of wonderful water.

 

ART NATURALLY (Ages 5 – 15)
Explore the beauty of nature through the eyes of a blooming artist.  Using oil pastels, charcoal, watercolors, and more, students will be allowed to explore their creative side during art naturally.  An array of plants and animals will be brought into the classroom as models while the instructor guides students through a variety of techniques and methods.

 

Thank you for visiting us!