The Oregon Zoo has launched an ambitious program to offer free ZooSchool programs to all third grade classes at Title 1 schools in the Portland metro area. With your support, up to 11,000 third graders and 370 teachers will get to explore the fascinating life cycles of insects through zoo field trips and interactive live animal classroom programs.
Do you remember a field trip that inspired and ignited you as a kid? Unfortunately, schools increasingly lack funds for offsite experiences. Title 1 schools, with a high number of low-income students, are often unable to afford a trip to the Oregon Zoo. We receive dozens of requests each year from teachers who want to bring their classes on a field trip but can't. We currently offer price reductions where funding allows. In many cases, a teacher or principal pays the remaining cost him/herself.
This project provides buses, admission and ZooSchool programming for 3rd grade classes at Title 1 schools in the Portland area. Based on the Next Generation Science Standards, 3rd grade teachers must address life cycles in their curriculum. Our program will offer a zoo field trip, combined with pre- and post-trip activities, interactive live animal programming and a visit to the new Insect Zoo, helping students better understand the unique life cycles of insects.
After participating in this ZooSchool program, students will grow in their understanding of life cycles and insects. By mastering these concepts, they will be poised for future success in the sciences. At the same time, students will gain a better appreciation for wildlife and awareness of the importance of insects. Finally students will better understand how their actions impact the broader ecosystem.
