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Classes for 9th - 12th

Adaptations Classes

STUDY OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

Grades 9-12
Program length: 90 minutes
Fee: $120 (ZMD $95)
Offered September through March

Animal behavior is the scientific study of everything that animals do. The Saint Louis Zoo applies animal behavior research in its conservation efforts both at the Zoo and in the field. In this class, students will learn the basics of animal behavior, various sampling methods and some information about specific behavior studies going on at the Zoo. This program includes guided observation of one select animal group.
Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations: VII-1A c, d, 1B c, f; VIII-3D b

Classification Classes

COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES

Grades 9-12
Program length: 90 minutes
Fee: $120 (ZMD $95)
Offered September through April

Investigate one of the most fascinating and diverse groups of cold-blooded vertebrates. Students will compare and contrast the anatomy of different amphibian and reptilian orders with the use of teeth, skulls, scales and more.
Missouri Biology Course Level Expectations: III-1E a, b; VII-1C a

COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF MAMMALS

Grades 9-12
Program length: 90 minutes
Fee: $120 (ZMD $95)
Offered September through April

Delve deeper into one of the most fascinating and diverse groups of vertebrates on the planet: mammals. Students will compare and contrast the anatomy of different mammalian orders with the use of teeth, skulls, hides, fur, and much more. This course will allow hands-on investigation of mammals in a way not found anywhere else.
Missouri Biology Course Level Expectations: III-1E a, b; VII-1C a

COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF VERTEBRATES

Grades 9-12
Program length: 90 minutes
Fee: $120 (ZMD $95)
Offered September through April

Through a series of investigations, students will discover the distinct adaptations that make the subphylum Vertebrata a fascinating group of animals. This course is capable of providing an introduction to the topic or serving as an assessment of your students' knowledge of vertebrate groups.
Missouri Biology Course Level Expectations: III-1E a, b; VII-1C a

DESIGN YOUR OWN LAB CLASS

Grades 9-12
Program length: 45 to 90 minutes
Fee: varies dependent on class design and length
Offered September through April

Are you looking for a program to meet your students' specific needs? Using the Zoo's large and diverse collection of animal artifacts, teachers can work with our Zoo staff to design a lab tailored for your students. This class must take place on Zoo grounds and can be taught by Zoo staff or by the classroom teacher. Live animal presentations by Zoo staff can also be incorporated into the program for an additional fee.

For pricing information please call the Education Department at (314) 646-4544, #6. Please click on the link for pricing information.

Conservation Classes

BIODIVERSITY

Grades 9-12
Program length: 90 minutes
Fee: $120 (ZMD $95)
Offered September through May

It is no secret that animal species all across the globe are increasingly at risk of extinction. Thus, it is important to know about biodiversity and how to protect it. We will look at locations of the greatest diversity, how varied types of life survive in the same ecosystems, and the major threats. Using inquiry-based activities, biofacts, and live animals, we will also look at ways scientists are working to protect animal diversity.
Missouri Biology Course Level Expectations: IV-1A a, b, 1B b, 1C a, 1D a, b

GENETIC CONSERVATION

Grades 9-12
Program length: 90 minutes
Fee: $120 (ZMD $95)
Offered September through May

As a conservation institution, the Zoo plays an important role in breeding endangered species. But how does the Zoo determine which animals would benefit or harm the gene pool of a particular population? Using activities, live animals, and biofacts, students will gather insight on how genetic information is used to manage species conservation. An understanding of transcription, translation and the general processes of genetic heredity is recommended.
Missouri Biolgy Course Level Expectations: III-1E a, 2E a, 3B a, b, c, d, 3C b, c, 3D b, c, 3E a; IV-1D b, 3B b, 3C a, b, c

ZOO CAREERS

Grades 9-12
Program length: 45 minutes
Fee: $65 (ZMD $50)
Offered September through May

Through activities and live animal contact, students will become familiar with some of the various careers at the Zoo. Students will learn about the skills and educational backgrounds required of animal keepers, Zoo veterinarians and other Zoo professionals and what they can start doing now to work towards a Zoo career.
Missouri Biology Course Level Expectations: IV-1A a, 3B b; VII-1A d

ZOO CAREERS: ANIMAL NUTRITION

Grades 9-12
Program length: 90 minutes
Fee: $120 (ZMD $95)
Offered September through May

Animal nutrition is a rapidly growing career choice in the field of Zoology. Here at the Saint Louis Zoo, an entire department is dedicated to animal nutrition and is housed in a state of the art, LEED certified building. Using video clips, live animals, and an inquiry-based lab, we will look at the way food is prepared for our Zoo animals.
Missouri Biology Course Level Expectations: VII-1D c; VIII-1B a

ZOO CAREERS: ZOO KEEPING

Grades 9-12
Program length: 90 minutes
Fee: $120 (ZMD $95)
Offered September through May

Zoo keepers are on the front line of our animals' care, management, and conservation. In this class, you will learn all of the many aspects of being a keeper. Through a lecture, lab, video clips and live animals, we will demonstrate the specialized knowledge and tools keepers use to keep our animals happy and healthy. You will also discover the knowledge and tools you can gain now to become a zoo keeper!
Missouri Biology Course Level Expectations: IV-1A a, 3B b

ZOO CAREERS: ZOO VETERINARIAN

Grades 9-12
Program length: 90 minutes
Fee: $120 (ZMD $95)
Offered September through May

The Saint Louis Zoo has over 18,000 animals in its collection! This class will introduce students to the rewards and challenges of being one of the vets who cares for them all. Live animals, biofacts, video clips, and a hands-on lab experience will be included, along with advice on preparing for a career in veterinary medicine.
Missouri Course Level Expectations: III-1E a; IV-3B b; VII-1A d

Are you looking for a program to meet your students' specific needs? Using the Zoo's large and diverse collection of animal artifacts, teachers can work with our Zoo staff to design a lab tailored for your students. This class must take place on Zoo grounds and can be taught by Zoo staff or by the classroom teacher. Live animal presentations by Zoo staff can also be incorporated into the program for an additional fee.

For pricing information please call the Education Department at (314) 646-4544, #6.Please click on the link for pricing information.