Classes for Schools

Bring Denver Zoo’s education resources to your class! Opportunities are available from early childhood education through 12th grade. Have your students learn about science with live animal interactions, biofacts (such as skin and bones) exploration and hands-on activities. All classes support current Colorado Academic Standards where appropriate, and include live animals.
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Dates & Times

Dates and start times vary, according to your scheduling needs and our availability. Programs are offered year round, seven days a week.  All classes are 45 minutes in length except Back to Nature which is one hour.

Cost

  • Back to Nature Classes: $200/first program, $120 for each additional consecutive program. $385/first program for schools outside of SCFD, $120 for each additional consecutive program outside of SCFD.
  • All other school classes within SCFD: $180/first program, $100 for each additional consecutive program.
  • All other school classes outside of SCFD: Minimum of two programs must be booked- $345/two programs, $100 for each additional consecutive program.
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ACCESS TO AWE SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships available, apply during registration. More information on Access to Awe Scholarships can be found here.

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Program Information

Early Childhood

Back to Nature (Ages 2 - Grade K)

In this hour-long program students become scientists as they use their senses to explore and play in nature. Through observation of live zoo animals and wildlife in their own schoolyards, and age-appropriate instructor modeling and guided questioning techniques, students build their comfort and confidence in nature by making observations, asking questions, and experimenting. Instructors bring tools to encourage discovery, and outdoor weather gear to facilitate nature enjoyment in all seasons! This program works best when there is access to an outdoor/nature play area, and access to an empty (no students) indoor, lockable space/room will be needed for safe keeping of program resources when students are outside during zoo programming.

Movin' and Groovin' (Ages 3 - Grade K)

Learn how and why animals move in different ways through role-playing exercises. Meet and touch live small animals that move in various ways.

Elementary

Animal Discovery (Grades K – 2nd)

Discover the distinction between vertebrate and invertebrate animals by observing and interacting with live animals and biofacts. Learn the defining characteristics of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Habitats Around the World (Grades 1st – 2nd)

Discover all organisms need the same components of a habitat in order to survive: food, water, shelter and space. With the use of live animals, photos, and biofacts, learn how animals meet these basic needs in a variety of habitats from around the world.

Lifecycles: Changing and Growing (Grades 1st – 3rd)

Learn about and characterize the life cycles of a variety of animals, including insects, birds, and amphibians. Explore stations with a variety of animal specimens to investigate and gather information.

Remarkable Reptiles (Grades 1st – 5th)

Explore the reptilian science of snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodilians. Participate in a variety of exciting activities as we venture through the scaly world of reptiles.

Characteristics of Survival (Grades 3rd – 5th)

Learn how structures and systems can help animals survive in the wild, and turn a classmate into an adaptive animal.

Middle School | High School

Endangered (Grades 6th – 8th)

Discover the threats endangered species face, and work in teams to devise creative solutions to help save wildlife.

Explorando La Selva Tropical (Grades 5th – 12th)

Practice emerging Spanish language skills through learning how to identify and describe rainforest animals and layers in Spanish (vocabulary may also be related to numbers, colors, geography and weather).

Working on the Wildside (Grades 6th – 12th)

Ever wonder what it is like to work at Denver Zoo? Students will learn about different careers such as veterinarians, nutritionists, educators, and animal trainers at Denver Zoo and experience the advantages and challenges of working with wild animals.

All Ages

The Art of Observation (Grades 1st – Adult)

Become a naturalist by developing drawing skills and a scientific eye for detail through observations of live animal models. Discover connections between art and science through wildlife study. Teachers must provide art supplies.

Registration

  • Please register on-line. If you have registration questions, please call 720-337-1468 or email outreach@denverzoo.org.
  • Access to Awe scholarships may be available for groups that qualify.
  • Requested dates are not guaranteed until confirmed by Denver Zoo.
  • Please register at least THREE weeks in advance.
  • Payment is required at least THREE weeks in advance.
  • Maximum of 30 participants per class. If you have more than this, you will be charged for another class.
  • All participants in preschool classes MUST be at least 3 years old, with the exception of Back to Nature classes.
  • Layovers of over 1 hour between classes are not permitted.
  • Consecutive classes must take place in the same location.
  • Programs canceled or rescheduled with less than three weeks notice before the scheduled program date will be charged 50% of the total cost.  Access to Awe Scholarship Funds do not apply to any cancellation fees.

Additional Information

Due to the nature of live animals, Denver Zoo Outreach cannot guarantee which animals are at any program.
Animals in programs may eat nuts.  Be aware of allergies.

Denver Zoo Outreach space requirements:

  • Ground level or elevator access.
  • An unloading and parking area close to the program location, with access for a rolling cart.
  • At least 1 large table (6-8 feet preferred).
  • An adult representative in the room during the program, who actively supports student learning and behavior management.
  • Some classes have additional requirements, such as extra tables or space.
  • No other activities during both setup and presentation.
  • No food or drink.
  • No other animals.
  • Presenter will arrive 15-30 minutes prior to setup.
  • Programs should take place indoors unless otherwise arranged during registration.