Classes for 4th - 8th
Adaptations Classes
ANIMAL WEAPONRY
Grades 4-8
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $65 (ZMD $50)
Offered September through May
Many animals are equipped with effective natural weaponry to help them survive. Antlers, horns, tusks, fangs and hooves are examples of weapons discussed and demonstrated during this program.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: IV-1A (4th) a, 1B (6th) a, 3C (4th) b,c, (6th) a,b
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT
Grades 4-8
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $65 (ZMD $50)
Offered September through May
Rodents, owls and snakes have special adaptations for their nocturnal lifestyles. Animal demonstration and contact help students learn about creatures of the night.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: IV-1A (4th) a, 3C (4th) b,c, (6th) a,b
INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
Grades 4-8
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $65 (ZMD $50)
Offered September through May
This introduction to animal behavior will help students learn how behavior is an adaptation, and how behavior studies are used in zoos. Students will complete a hands-on behavior exercise with arthropods, as well as discuss a variety of animal behaviors.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: III-1A (6th) a; IV-1A (4th) a, 3C (4th) b,c, (6th) a,b
Classification Classes
INSECTS
Grades 4-8
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $65 (ZMD $50)
Offered September through May
There are more insects on earth than there are any other group of animals. Study the fascinating world of insects through discussion and demonstration with live and mounted insects.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations:III–1E (5th) a,e
INVERTEBRATES: SPINELESS WONDERS
Grades 4-8
Program length: 90 minutes
Fee: $100 (ZMD $75)
Offered September through May
More than 95% of all living animals do not have backbones. Students explore the characteristics of several invertebrate phyla. This hands-on lab features opportunities to investigate internal and external characteristics.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: III–1E (5th) a,c
MAMMALS AND BIRDS
Grades 4-8
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $65 (ZMD $50)
Offered September through May
Learn about the two groups of warm-blooded vertebrates: mammals and birds. In this class, students will review mammal and bird characteristics while studying live examples of each group.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations:III–1E (5th) a, d, (8th) a
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
Grades 4-8
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $65 (ZMD $50)
Offered September through May
See and touch live reptiles and amphibians, and discover their unique characteristics. Determine the differences between amphibian and reptile groups.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations:III–1E (5th) a, d, (8th) a
Conservation Classes
VANISHING WILDLIFE
Grades 4-8
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $65 (ZMD $50)
Offered September through May
Wildlife from all over the Earth faces survival challenges from habitat loss, pollution, introduced species, human overpopulation and other factors. Students will explore these factors in relation to animals in our collection. Discussion includes the conservation role of the Zoo and what students can do.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: IV–1A (4th) a,b, 1B (6th) b,c, 1D (6th) a, b, c, (8th) a
Ecology Classes
EARTH ECOLOGY
Grades 4-8
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $65 (ZMD $50)
Offered September through May
Come and discover the delicate balance that exists between all living things within the Earth's ecosystems. In this class, we will discuss the main ecological components and why their interactions are so important. Through hands-on activities and live animals, we will get an up-close look at what an ecologist's work can look like.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: IV-1A (4th) a,b, 1D (4th) a, 1A (6th) a, 1B (6th) a,b,c
TROPICAL RAINFORESTS
Grades 4-8
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $65 (ZMD $50)
Offered September through May
Meet animals from the different layers of the tropical rainforest. Discuss the threats to this very diverse biome. Learn how to help protect rainforests and the animals that live there.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations:IV–1A (4th) a,b, 1B (6th) a,b,c, 1D (6th) a,b,c
WEB OF LIFE
Grades 4-8
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $65 (ZMD $50)
Offered September through May
Students learn how predators, prey, plants, scavengers and decomposers are linked in an intricate web of energy and life. This introduction to energy cycles and food webs includes a discussion of animal dentition (teeth) to distinguish herbivores, omnivores and carnivores.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: IV–2A (4th) a,b,c, (6th) a