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Videoconferencing Programs

The Saint Louis Zoo presents classes using state-of-the-art Polycom videoconferencing equipment. Connect with us to take virtual tours of various areas of the Zoo and learn about animal adaptations, habitats and conservation programs. All programs are interactive and utilize live animals from our Emerson Children's Zoo, video footage from the award-winning KMOV Channel 4 "At the Zoo" show and other means to create a memorable learning experience. At this time we do not have the ability to broadcast remotely from Zoo exhibits.

Requirements for scheduling sites: A minimum connection speed of 384k preferred. We can connect to organizations directly via IP technology to traditional H.323 equipment. For schools without traditional equipment, we can connect to PC and Mac computers using FieldTripZoom. Please visit the FieldTripZoom website for more information. You can also click here for a PDF “Getting Started Guide.”

National Science Education Standards
Our programs have also been aligned to the following National Science Education Standards, depending on the grade level:

NS.K - 12.1 Science as Inquiry
NS.K - 12.3 Life Science
NS.5 - 12.6 Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

Videoconference Fee: $145 per program plus connection costs, if applicable.

To get more information or schedule a program, please contact the Outreach Coordinator at (314) 646-4754 or e-mail outreachrequests@stlzoo.org.

Baby Animals
(K - 2nd grade)
Program Length: 30 minutes
NOTE: This is a 30 minute program. The cost for this 30 minute program only is $95.00.

One of the most exciting things at a zoo is when babies are born! In this program, we'll be introduced to some of the babies that have been born at the Saint Louis Zoo, via recorded video. We'll also learn special baby names, as well as how animals care for their babies.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: III-1A(1)a,(2)a, 3D(K,2)a,b; VII-1A(K,1,2)a

What Is an Animal?
(K - 3rd grade)
Program Length: 45 minutes

How do you know if something is alive or not? If it is alive, how do you know if it's a plant or an animal? Take part in activities to understand the characteristics of living things. Meet live animals to help identify these traits.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: III-1D(kg)a, 1D(1st)a,b,c,d, 1E(1st)a VII-1A(kg)b, 1A(1st)b, 1A(2nd)b, 1A(3rd)b, 1C(kg)a,b, 1C(1st)a,b,c, 1C(2nd)a,b,c, 1C(3rd)a,b,c,d

Critter Garden
(K - 3rd grade)
Program Length: 45 minutes

Do you like to play outside? Animals like to play outside in the flowers, by trees, and in water. Color, play with stickers, match pictures, and meet animals that live near your home as we learn what we can do to help our backyard friends.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: I -1A (K,1,2,) a,b,c I-2C (K,1,2) a I-3A (K,1,2) a,b,c III-1 D (1st) a,b,c,d III-1E (1st)a IV-1A (1st) a

Sea Lion Sound (NEW!)
(K - 5th grade)
Program Length: 45 minutes

Meet our furry seal and sea lion friends as we explore their underwater home at the zoo! Dive right in and participate in activities to learn about how these animals survive in the water, on land, and with each other at our newest exhibit at the Zoo!
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: III-1A (1st) a, 1B (2nd) a, 1C (5th) a, 1D (1st , 5th) a,b,d, 1E (5th) a,d

Zoo Clues
(K - 5th grade)
Program Length: 45 minutes

Solve puzzles to learn more about big cats, birds, and other animals in this interactive class. Learn about the clues our veterinarians use to keep our animals healthy.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: III-1A (1st) a, 1D (kg) a, (1st) b, d, (5th) a, 1E (5th) c, d, IV-1A (Kg) a, (4th) a, b, 2A (4th) b, c, 3C (4th) b, c, d. VII-1A (Kg-3rd) a, b, (4th-8th) a, b, c, 1C (Kg-2nd) a, b, 1D (Kg-2nd) a, (3rd-8th) a, b

Animal Champions
(K - 5th grade)
Program Length: 45 minutes

Can you run as fast as a cheetah or leap like a lemur? This interactive program will introduce students to animal adaptations and how they help animals survive. Physical activities and live animal guests make this program a winner!
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations III-1A(1)a; IV-1A(4th)a; VII-1B(3rd)a,d

Fall into Winter
(K - 6th grade)
Program Length: 45 minutes

Discover changes animals endure in order to survive in places where the weather turns cold. Some animals stay where they are and others make journeys to new places each season. We'll learn about different animals and what they do through interactive presentations and live animal encounters. You'll also find out how the Saint Louis Zoo helps animals survive through this harsh season. NOTE: Different versions exist for K-3rd grades and 4th-6th grades.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: III-1A(1st,2nd)a, 3D(K)a; IV-1A(K)a,b; V-2F(K)b; VII-1A(K, 1st, 2nd)a, 1C(K,1st,2nd)a, 1D(K,1st,2nd)a, III-1A(6th)a; IV-1A(4th)a, 1D(4th)a; VII-1A(4th,5th,6th)a, 1C(4th,5th,6th)a

Spring into Summer
(K - 6th grade)
Program Length: 45 minutes

Learn how animals celebrate the return of spring as we explore the different ways animals make the switch from cold winter days to warm summer nights. NOTE: Different versions exist for K-3rd grades and 4th-6th grades.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: III-1A(1st,2nd)a, 3D(K)a; IV-1A(K)a,b; V-2F(K)b; VII-1A(K, 1st, 2nd)a, 1C(K,1st,2nd)a, 1D(K,1st,2nd)a, III-1A(6th)a; IV-1A(4th)a, 1D(4th)a; VII-1A(4th,5th,6th)a, 1C(4th,5th,6th)a

Penguin & Puffin Coast
(K - 8th grade)
Program Length: 45 minutes

Meet our adorable penguins and puffins and learn about the cold areas in the northern and southern hemispheres of the globe. Participate in activities to learn about how these animals survive in their cold climates.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: III-1A (1st)a, 1D (Kg)a, (1st) b,d, (5th)a, 1E (5th)c,d, IV-1A(Kg)a, (4th)a,b, (6th)a, 1B (6th)a,b, 1D(6th)a, 2A (3rd)a,b, (4th)a,b,c, 3C (4th)a-d, (6th)a,b, VII-1A (Kg-3rd)a,b, (4th-8th)a,b,c, 1C(Kg-2nd) a,b, 1D(Kg-2nd)a, (3rd-8th)a,b

Food for Thought (NEW!)
(2nd - 8th grades)
Program Length: 45 minutes

Do animals follow the food pyramid? Learn about what animals eat and find out how they receive proper nutrition both at the Zoo and in the wild. Meet a few live animals and see what they have to teach us about eating well.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: III-1A (6th) a, 1D (5th) a, 1E (5th) c,d, 2C (5th) a; IV-3C (4th) c,d, (6th) b, 2A (4th) a,b,c, (6th) b

The Dirt on Dirt (NEW!)
(2nd - 8th grades)
Program Length: 45 minutes

Dr. Worm, expert vermicomposter, will show you the dynamic world of decomposers. Find out how dirt made your lunch, investigate a worm’s habitat, and even meet a few new wiggly friends. Learn why worms are important and how they help eat our garbage.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: III-1A (1st) a,b (3rd) a, (5th) a,c,d; IV-1A (1st) a, (4th) a, 2A (3rd) a, b,c,d, (4th) a; VII-1A (K,1st,2nd,3rd) a,b, 1B (K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th) a, d, 1C (K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th) a, b, 1D (K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th) a; VIII-3A (K, 1st, 2nd) a

Animal Behavior
(6th - 12th grade)
Program Length: 45 minutes

Have you ever wondered why animals do certain things? Is animal behavior important in zoos? In this program, we will discover why scientists study animal behavior and explore the different methods that they use. Students will be able to practice a few of the research methods during live animal presentations.
Missouri Grade Level Expectations: III- 1A (6th)a; IV-1D (6th)b 1A(9,10,11)a,b
Missouri Course Level Expectations IV-1A(B1)a,b,c, 1B(B1)b, 3B(B1)b, 3C(B1)a,c

Animal Enrichment
(6 - 12th grade)
Program Length: 45 minutes

Enrichment is a vital component of animal care. Keepers create zoo environments that provide a stimulating life for animals with opportunities to engage in natural behavior, be more active, and have choices in their environment. Enrichment helps satisfy both the physical and psychological needs of animals at the zoo. In this program we will review what enrichment is, why it is important, and the many ways we enrich our animals at the zoo.
Missouri Grade Level Expectations: III- 1A (6th)a; IV-1D (6th)b 1A(9,10,11)a,b
Missouri Course Level Expectations: IV-1A(B1)a,b,c, 1B(B1)b, 3B(B1)b, 3C(B1)a,c

Animal Training
(6th - 12th grade)
Program Length: 45 minutes

Animal training is important for successful animal husbandry, veterinary care, and enrichment. Learn how and why we train animals at the Saint Louis Zoo, as well as how training has changed. We'll review techniques, observe animals in training sessions, and test your trainer skills in this interactive program.
Missouri Grade Level Expectations: IV-1B(6th)a,b,c, 1D(6th)a,b,c, 2A(6th)b, 3A(8th)a, 3C(6th)a,b, 3D(8th)a
Missouri Course Level Expectations: IV-1A(B1)a,b,c, 1B(B1)b, 3B(B1)b, 3C(B1)a,c

Zoo Conservation
(6th - 12th grade)
Program Length: 45 minutes

Learn about the work of the Zoo's WildCare Institute, an international program to save wild things and wild places. Our innovative conservation programs focus on helping people, animals and places so that all can survive well into the future.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: III-1A (6th)a, (8th)a, IV-1A(6th)a, (9th-11th)a,b,c 1B(6th)a,b, 1C (9th-11th)a 1D(6th)a, (9th-11th)b, 3B(9th-11th)a,b, 3C (6th)a,b, (9th-11th)a,b,d VII-1A (6th-8th)a,b,c, (9th-11th)a,c,d,e, 1D(6th-11th)a,b

Custom Designed Programs
(K - 12th grade)

We can develop a videoconference program on a topic of your choice. Previous requests have included: The Letter O, The Galapagos Islands and programs presented in Spanish. Contact the Outreach Coordinator at (314) 646-4754 or outreachrequests@stlzoo.org to discuss your needs.