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Field Trip Enrichment Connect. Care. Conserve.
In 2023, 120,000 students visited Brookfield Zoo Over our 90-year history, Brookfield Zoo
Chicago on school field trips, which are free to all Illinois Chicago has offered many programs
schools. Steinmeyer has also developed “Field Trip that promote conservation education.
Enrichment PD [Professional Development] Sessions,” The Teaching Safari is one of the latest
or on-site Zoo activities. examples. Education is a central pillar
For example, “Complete the Feet: Explore Animal in Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission
Adaptations at Brookfield Zoo!” challenges students to inspire conservation leadership by
to observe, ask questions, and use evidence to support connecting people to wildlife and nature.
claims about the characteristics and uses of animal feet. Our mantra—Connect. Care. Conserve.—
“Exploring Animal Behavior,” targets teachers of grades reflects the essence of our mission and
K to 8. Its description reads: “Teach your students how to is rooted in three domains of learning.
design an animal behavior study, collect data, and explore Connect, or the cognitive domain,
their own questions about what animals do at the Zoo.” teaches guests and program participants
During each free, 1-hour virtual session, teachers gain to understand the connections between
strategies and activities to build students’ observation themselves and animals by experiencing
skills, critical thinking skills, and conservation awareness. animals eye to eye. For most of our guests,
Benefits for Teachers we provide their only opportunity to see
a polar bear or dolphin. These engagements
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Illinois-state-approved form an emotional connection that can
professional development provider. Teachers who drive them forward on a journey to care.
complete our classes can earn Professional Development Care, or the affective domain, teaches
Hours (PDHs) required by the state to keep licenses empathy for living things. It is only when
current. Also, through an arrangement with Dominican we care about something that we are willing
University in River Forest, teachers can earn graduate to act on its behalf.
credit. Participants who complete the Safari will also Conserve, or the behavioral domain,
receive a Certificate of Completion from Brookfield empowers people to take action that leads
Zoo Chicago and four (4) complimentary Zoo passes. to a sustainable relationship with nature
For more information about the Teaching Safari and drives personal choices to conserve wildlife.
and other professional development programs, contact With the support of our members and
Patricia Steinmeyer at EDK12@BrookfieldZoo.org. donors, we have been able to expand and
diversify our educational and community
The Professional Learning and K-12 Academics outreach programs. Thank you.
Department, including the Teaching Safari program,
is made possible in part by support from: CDW,
the Christopher Family Foundation, the Polk Bros.
Foundation, and the Women’s Board of the Chicago
Zoological Society.
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