We have resources and activities that will allow you to enhance your homeschool teaching experience. Contact us for Zoo Trunks and other materials and equipment for kids of all ages.

Plan an adventure to the Zoo for your students grades 1–5. There are lots of exciting hands-on adventures for your homeschool family. You can choose between formal and informal activities.

^{Classes meet in the Cargill Learning Center unless otherwise noted. Space is limited; therefore pre-registration is required. Please contact Cargill Learning Center to reserve your place. Classes take place rain or shine.}

This is a good way to supplement your science curriculum. Classes are for grades 1-5 and cover various topics including animal science, life science, and physical science. Homeschool parents are actively involved so they can answer questions at home and further develop subjects that grab their kids. Classes are held rain or shine and some involve time out in the Zoo, so dress for the weather. The fee of $15 for members / $18 for nonmembers covers up to five family members. Each additional person is $5. Programs take place from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

• Mar 17 Wed — Fruits and Flowers
  Who doesn’t have a favorite fruit, or like to stop and smell the flowers? Do plants have fruit and flowers just to please us, or could they be playing a bigger role in the plant's life? We will learn about the parts of the plant flower and the different kinds of fruit. We may even have to do a fruit taste test!
• Apr 14 Wed* — Tricks Plants Play
  Believe it or not, plants have some great tricks they employ to survive! Some plants have posion, some hide, and still others trick animals into working for them! We will delve into the world of plant trickery, and you may just discover you’ve been tricked by a plant!
• May 5 Wed — Gorgeous Gardens and Monotone Monocultures
  Agriculture has shaped human societies since the dawn of civilization. In this program we will learn about the benefits of growing some of our own food and how some large farming practices harm the ecosystem and our bodies!

* April only: Homeschool Expeditions and Roots & Shoots Companion Classes! Sign up for both and save $2 off each class!

Learn to give back while having hands-on fun at the Zoo! Parents and children will be working together during class, and each class will also get you started on a family service project to do at home. All classes run from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. The fee of $17 for members / $19 for nonmembers covers two adults and up to three children. Each additional child is $3, while each individual adult is $8. Any member of the family old enough to pay and participate is welcome to attend.

• Mar 11 Thu — "It Is Not Only Fine Feathers That Make Fine Birds..."
  What does make a fine bird? Let’s find out. We’ll look at how they eat, and examine eggs and feathers. Then we’ll visit some of the most interesting examples in the Zoo.
• Apr 15 Thu* — How We Trick Plants
  By learning how plants work, people have made plants bloom earlier, grow bigger, sprout sooner, and reproduce more. Learn some of these methods in this hands-on class, and take home plant starts for your spring growing.
• May 13 Thu — Equip Your Backyard Staycation - Recycling for Outdoor Adventures
  Lanterns, stoves, hot dog cookers! Does the economy have you vacationing at home this summer? Make your own simple camping and cooking gear from recycled materials. Get a list of items to bring when you register. Warning: sharp tools. Close adult supervision will be required.

* April only: Roots & Shoots and Homeschool Expeditions Companion Classes! Sign up for both and save $2 off each class!