·SCHOOL AND GROUP PROGRAMS

An educational program from Como Park Zoo and Conservatory will enhance any curriculum! We have the ability to provide your group with a fun and interactive presentation at your site or at Como (some restrictions apply). Each program uses a variety of sensory aids to enhance the learning experience. All of the following programs contain live plants or animals and other fun interactive components to enrich any teacher's lesson plan.

 

Helpful hints:

FUR, FEATHERS, SCALES AND SLIME!
Meet real, live animals with these body coverings and get your body moving as we try to run like a rabbit, slither like a snake, soar like an eagle, eat like a frog and more!

Program Level: Ages 4 & 5-K

LET'S GET BUGGY!
How is a spider different from an insect or a scorpion or a millipede? Bring your detective skills to learn the differences. You may think these critters are creepy, but many are amazing hunters and others help people in a variety of ways! Get an up close view of real, live bugs!

Program Level: Ages 4 & 5-K; 1st-3rd Grades

JUMP, SLITHER AND SLIDE!
You'll meet a variety of reptile and amphibian ambassadors as you discover some of the amazing adaptations these scaly and slimy animals possess. Learn why amphibians are called "environmental indicators" and how fingernails and snake scales are related!

Program Level: Ages 4 & 5-K; 1st-3rd Grades; 4th-6th Grades

PRIMATE-PALOOZA
Get an up-close look at Como Zoo's primates. Learn the difference between a monkey and an ape. Go in-depth and find out which species of apes are critically endangered and what can you do to help? Your students will take away an appreciation of these amazing animals and will have a better understanding of how to help them in the wild.

Program Level: 1st-3rd; 4th-6th
(Maximum Group Size: 30 students, on-site only)

ALL THROUGH AFRICA
From snow covered mountains to dusty, hot deserts, Africa is an amazingly diverse continent. Learn about the African landscape and the habitats that support its animals. During class, you’ll meet African animals from the desert, savannah, and rain forest. To further your adventure, an African animal adaptations checklist takes you around the zoo grounds on a safari either before or after your class.

Program Level: 1-3rd; 4-6th Grades (on-site only)

TROPICAL RAIN FORESTS
This lush habitat holds the world's greatest diversity of plants and animals. Meet some tropical plants and animal residents of Como and discover how they affect our lives everyday!

Program Level: 1st-3rd; 4th-6th Grades

SAVE OUR SPECIES
Extinction is a natural, ongoing, process which is affected by the choices people make. Meet a variety of plants and animals that will give you good reason to make "earth-friendly" choices. You will be amazed to learn how your everyday choices do make a difference!

Program Level: 4th-6th Grades

BATS
Bats. . .those pesky, gross, flying rodents of the night sky! OR ARE THEY??? You just may be surprised how helpful and important these flying mammals are! Meet Como's resident fruit bats and learn about the fascinating adaptations of megabats and microbats!

Program Level: K; 1st-3rd; 4th-6th Grades

JAPANESE GARDEN
Did you know that rocks have faces? Or that crooked paths can bring you good luck? Design your own garden, using authentic, time-honored principles of Japanese gardening after a virtual or real visit to Como's Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden.

Program Level: K-3rd; 4th-6th Grades

PLANTS THAT CARE
Did you eat your veggies today? Everyone knows that fruits and vegetables are good for you, but did you know that a great number of plants can help you when you're sick, stressed, or injured?! Meet these plants and make a pampering plant product to take home!

Program Level: 1st-3rd; 4th-6th Grades

KEEPERS OF THE GARDEN AND ZOO
Ever wonder what Como's zookeepers and gardeners do all day? We thought so! Through this class, you will get a sneak peek at the countless duties which keep them busy all day. You'll even get a "behind-the scenes" tour of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory's greenhouses! (tour for on-site programs only)

Program Level: 4th-6th; 7th-12th Grades

THE GENES BEHIND THE SCENES
If you have mastered brown-eyed, blue-eyed crosses and round and wrinkly peas, this class is for you. Genetics plays a vital role in the management of captive animal populations. Discover how zookeepers across the country work together to maintain healthy gene pools for the ambassador animals at their facilities.

Program Level: 7th-12th Grades
(Class size limit: 30 students)
Please Note: This class does not include a behind the scenes tour.

"WILD" ANIMAL CAREERS
So you think you might like to work with animals as a career? This class is designed to introduce you to the world of zookeeping. Learn about the history of zoos and how animal care and training programs have changed zoo life. Visit with a zookeeper (for on-site programs only) to learn the in's and out's of life in a zoo.

Program Level: 7th-12th Grades

CHOOSE YOUR OWN TOPIC
Work with a Como Zoo and Conservatory Education staff person to develop curriculum made especially for your group! Pick your own topic and/or areas to be covered and we will develop a program just for you!

Program Level: Any age group

SCHOOL/GROUP REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION -
Call 651-487-8272
* Concerns or suggestions? Call Steph at 651-487-8271
or email: ComoEducation@ci.stpaul.mn.us

LOCKER RENTALS
Locker rentals are available for groups.
Click here for more information.