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Middle school is a crucial time period for students, both in terms of personal growth and in developing an interest in STEM. Zoo Explorers Club helps students grow in both these areas.
This time period can help set the learning while becoming more com- Continuing
stage for the future, and when it comes fortable and confident in themselves. the Connection
to fostering an interest in STEM (science, Society staff identified a gap between
technology, engineering, and mathematics), “These are really critical years for the our Zoo Adventure Passport (ZAP!) pro-
it’s an especially critical time period. students,” said Shelly Hope, the Society’s gram for children ages 5-12, and our King
A recent study shows that the key factor community relations coordinator. Conservation Science Scholars program for
in predicting science career interest at “Students grow and learn so much during high schoolers. Both of these after-school
the end of high school is interest at the middle school, and it’s important that and weekend programs encourage partici-
beginning of high school—but unfortu- we’re there to support them and foster pants to learn about and explore the natu-
nately, nearly half of American eighth their love of nature and science learning.” ral world—ZAP! focuses on big-picture
graders have already turned away from sciences and uses interactivity and games,
science, viewing it as uninteresting or Zoo Explorers Club is a monthly and the King Conservation Science Schol-
irrelevant to their future plans. Interest is after-school program that focuses on ars program includes college and career
lowest in African American and Hispanic activities that:
students, and only 15% of high school
girls express an interest in STEM 1. Facilitate science learning
compared to 40% of high school boys. through inquiry.
2. Facilitate conservation action
The Chicago Zoological Society and behaviors.
is committed to changing this. Our 3. Empower students to see themselves
Zoo Explorers Club is focused entire- as agents of conservation solutions.
ly on middle schoolers, giving them a 4. Allow underserved students to define
structured, safe place to explore science and engage in nature in ways that are
meaningful and relevant to them.
22 GATEWAYS | ZOO EXPLORERS CLUB
