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.

• Aug 18 Wed — Fine Feathers, Fur Coats and Slick Scales
  Scientists use the coverings of animals to group them into similar categories, but animals use their coverings for a lot more than that. Together we will learn more about animal coverings and the benefits they provide to the animal wearing them. We may even have a chance to meet some animals with amazing coverings!
   
• Sep 15 Wed — The Best Defense...Part 1
  We have all heard that the best defense is a good offense and most wild creatures adhere to that tired and true adage, but not all. We will spend our time together learning about defenses some mammals and bird employ.
   
• Oct 20 Wed — The Best Defense...Part 2
  In the previous month’s program we will have discussed the methods of defense used by some mammals and birds, this month we will delve into the world of reptile, amphibian and invertebrate defenses. You may be surprised to learn what humans have taken to heart from watching these animal friends! (It is not necessary to have attended Part 1 to attend Part 2)
   
• Nov 17 Wed — Table for 2, or 1, or 8!
  This month we are going to dive into the world of animal dining. Some animals allow us to see where the term fast food comes from, while others give us a glimpse of their own “slow food” movement. We will talk about all the wonders of dining alfresco!

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.

• Aug 12 Thu — Homeschool program: Water Magic
  One thing everybody needs – water. Learn scientific magic tricks to share with your friends. Learn how to save water and how to help keep our streams and rivers cleaner. Meet some of our education critters that depend on clean water.
• Sep 16 Thu — Homeschool program: Fly Away Home
  Let’s learn about birds, bats, bees, and butterflies. We’ll look at the ways they help us, and find out how to welcome them in our yards and help them survive the winter. We’ll also meet some of the Zoo’s winged creatures.
• Oct 14 Thu — Homeschool program: Costume Time
  We love to dress up in outfits that make us look bigger, scarier, or more beautiful to each other. So do animals! Let’s explore skins, scales, and feathers, and what they do for the creatures that wear them.
• Nov 11 Thu — Homeschool program: Jungle Safari
  The Jungle Building is one of the Zoo’s most popular attractions, especially when it’s cold outside. Learn more about the mammals, birds, fish, and plants inhabiting this fascinating recreation of a South American rain forest, then go on safari!