HOW TO REGISTER FOR A FIELD TRIP AT THE ZOO

Click the link below please to create an account and book the date of your field trip. Be sure to choose the activities (called add-ons) you are interested in including as part of the trip experience; however, add-ons are not guaranteed and will be approved on a first come, first serve basis. All payments will be made through your account. All requests must be made more than 3 weeks prior to the date(s) requested. Reservations require a minimum of 15 people. Payment not required at time of booking (please select pay later – mailbox icon). Payment is due the day of the trip. Note: Programs are not booked on-site in the summer.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Learning comes easy at the Zoo! Our onsite education programs feature content that meets your specific needs and curricula aligned with K-12 Florida Standards.

ZOO SCHOOL LEARNING LABS

Each Learning Lab is a 3-hour experience (including approximately 2 hours of hands-on activities, an animal encounter/Zoo excursion, and a lunch break). Specific activities are subject to change due to weather conditions and Zoo operations.

Please select one lab for each day your class will attend Zoo School.

Grades: 5-12

Prices are per class (25 students max per class); we can accommodate three classes per day:

• 1 day: $275 per day per class
• 2 or 3 days: $245 per day per class
• 4 or 5 days:  $225 per day per class

Contact Dee Maynard at dmaynard@brevardzoo.org to reserve your date(s).

Anatomy of a Rescue

In this lab, students will get a hands-on look at the internal physiology of different species as they compare organs and bones from both mammals and reptiles.  Using three-dimensional anatomical models and scientific specimens, we will set a foundation for understanding anatomy and physiology. Students will see case studies of real patients and experience the importance of understanding the internal and external structures of animals we help rescue here at the Brevard Zoo!

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Nature and Technology

In this STEM lab, explore what it means to problem solve and brainstorm cooperatively while using different scientific processes to investigate the natural world. In one activity, students will work within a budget to solve an engineering design challenge as they learn about biomimicry and its impact on technology. Students will also use the experimental method to formulate a hypothesis, follow a protocol, manipulate variables, collect and record data, and reach a conclusion as they conduct an experiment in a specific area of the Zoo. Scientific terminology and tools will be used throughout this lab.

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Think Like a Zoologist

Students will work cooperatively to answer zoological questions based on firsthand evidence including a variety of scientific specimens such as skulls, pelts, and models. They will compare animal adaptations to learn how scientists classify vertebrates and invertebrates.

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What Do Zoos Do?

The Zoo is more than what you see during a casual visit. Through hands-on activities and discussions with zoo staff, your students will be introduced to several aspects of a zoo’s operations. This lab includes providing animal enrichment, training through positive reinforcement, and engineering habitats that provide long-term homes for our zoo residents. We will also provide an excellent opportunity for any of your zoologically minded students to start exploring possible future career paths.

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Wild about Wetlands

Students will get a close-up view of the creatures that call Florida wetlands home while learning why our wetlands are so important.  By using different scientific tools including microscopes, pH meters, and turbidity meters students will get to analyze water quality and explore both the macro and micro flora and fauna of Brevard Zoo’s wetlands.

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You Are What You Eat: The Food Chain

Students will work in our commissary and explore different areas of the zoo to experience firsthand how Brevard Zoo facilitates the flow of energy from the sun to the animals in our care. Examining animal characteristics and the features in each habitat, students will determine what type of consumers the animals are, where they fall in the food chain, and what producers provide them with energy. This lab includes a hands-on analysis of an owl’s diet.

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Zooscaping: The Nature of Plants

Plants, the often-overlooked residents of Brevard Zoo, form the foundation of all ecosystems. In this immersive lab, students dissect flowers, disperse seeds, and discuss conservation efforts as they explore plant biodiversity and adaptations. From self-defense to symbiotic relationships, plants have evolved many strategies for survival.

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CONFIRMATION & LATE ARRIVALS

A letter of confirmation with the details of your booked program will be emailed after registration. You must retain a copy of this letter for your records and present it upon arrival at the Zoo to facilitate admission. If multiple classes are visiting the Zoo, be sure confirmation information has been distributed to all teachers.

Given the popularity of our programs, we reserve the right to cancel or adjust the length of a program for late group arrivals. If you are running behind, please make every effort to notify the Zoo Administration on the day at 321.254.9453 x219 or x489.

Educator Workshops

We offer a series of workshops open to area teachers, scout leaders and informal educators. These workshops are offered in conjunction and partnership with the Coastal Marine Institute, Marine Youth Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Brevard County Solid Waste Management Department and the Indian River chapter of the National Audubon Society. Please contact our education registrar at edregistrar@brevardzoo.org for group workshop information or click here for more information.

OTHER GROUP PROGRAMS

Not part of a school field trip? No worries—you can still participate in the same unique educational experiences. Our programs bring science to life through enthusiastic instructors, hands-on activities and give participants opportunities to learn about our animal ambassadors. To book a non-school group please contact egracie@brevardzoo.org for more information.