Part I

We will define and look at the role of classification. Using the taxonomy of living things, we will identify the classification of some of the mammals and in particular humans. Utilizing animal artefacts, students will get an opportunity to look at specific characteristics of an animal that have allowed it to adapt in its environment. Students will be comparing herbivores, carnivores, rodents with lagomorphs and a variety of bird items. We will be exploring teeth structure for identification as well as looking at the various adaptations animals have.

Part II

Utilizing some of the animal ambassadors at the Zoo, we will look at how specific adaptations give them an advantage in their environment.
To alleviate animal stress, we ask that classrooms over 15 students split into 2 groups. Half will be in the classroom with the animal ambassadors and half will be in the Zoo doing a self-guided tour that the teacher creates and then we will switch.  Ideally, we require a minimum of 30 minutes per group for a total of 1 hour. However, we find that 45 minutes per group is more ideal for a total of 1.5 hours.

Note: we can bring in an extra teacher and have both groups doing part II at the same time. This requires an additional fee.

BI30-OL3

Explore how the dynamic nature of biological classification reflects advances in scientific understanding of relationships among organisms. (SI, CP)

Part I
We will define biodiversity and look at the different levels of biodiversity and why it is important.
This program discusses the importance of a healthy environment and human health while discovering why Saskatchewan has so many species at risk. This program focuses on Indigenous viewpoints of the land and species, and on what can be done to support the health of the land. Discussions on successful animal reintroductions back onto the grasslands of Saskatchewan and what the future holds for animal species such as the cougar and the Brown Bear.  

Part II

Utilizing some of the animal ambassadors at the Zoo, we will look at some of the impacts of illegal hunting, invasive species and climate change.
To alleviate animal stress, we ask that classrooms over 15 students split into 2 groups. Half will be in the classroom with the animal ambassadors and half will be in the Zoo doing a self-guided tour that the teacher creates and then we will switch.  Ideally, we require a minimum of 30 minutes per group for a total of 1 hour. However, we find that 45 minutes per group is more ideal for a total of 1.5 hours.

Note: we can bring in an extra teacher and have both groups doing part II at the same time. This requires an additional fee.

ES20-TE3

Recognize the need for intact habitat to support animal populations and biodiversity.

ES20-SDS1 and  PS20-SDS1

Create and carry out a plan to explore one or more topics of personal interest relevant to Environmental Science 20 

Part I

We will define biodiversity and look at the different levels of biodiversity and why it is important. We will then define evolution and what are the key drivers of evolution. 

Part II

Utilizing some of the animal ambassadors at the Zoo, we will look at how specific adaptations give them an advantage in their environment. We will also focus on threats to biodiversity such as climate change, habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation and invasive species. Utilizing some of the animal ambassadors at the Zoo, we will look at how specific adaptations give them an advantage in their environment.

Note: we may be able to bring in an extra teacher and have both groups doing part II at the same time. This requires an additional fee.

SCI10-CD1
Assess the implications of human actions on the local and global climate and the sustainability of ecosystems.

Part I

We will define evolution and the key drivers of evolution. We will then look at how natural selection is the process by which populations of organisms are better suited to their environment. This is a SMART board presentation that takes about 25 minutes

Part II

Utilizing some of the animal ambassadors at the Zoo, we will look at how specific adaptations give them an advantage in their environment and in reproduction. To alleviate animal stress, we ask that classrooms over 15 students split into 2 groups. Half will be in the classroom with the animal ambassadors and half will be in the Zoo doing a self-guided tour that the teacher creates and then we will switch.  Ideally, we require a minimum of 30 minutes per group for a total of 1 hour. However, we find that 45 minutes per group is more ideal for a total of 1.5 hours.

Note: we may be able to bring in an extra teacher and have both groups doing part II at the same time. This requires an additional fee.

RE9.3

Describe the processes and implications of sexual and asexual reproduction in plants and animals.

Join us for a story and a visit with two to three of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors. Program is approximately 30- 40 minutes.

What are some of the cool characteristics of animals with fur, feathers, scales and slime? Find out in this hands-on exploration of animal life. Class/group sizes larger than 15 students, will be split into two groups. Half the group will be with a Saskatoon Zoo Society educator with animal ambassadors and the other half will be doing a self-guided tour of the Zoo. A prepared self-guided tour that includes animal artefacts is available to use during the self-guided tour. Program duration is 1.5 hours-2 hours. Program fee for the 2022-2023 school year is covered by the Saskatoon Public School Division (SPSD). Classes are responsible for booking and paying for their own bus.

Do all animals look like their Mom and Dad? 
Students will look at the life cycle of a frog and a butterfly and determine the order of their life cycle. Then we’ll look at the difference between a lizard, salamander and axolotl. What is one of the favourite foods of the lizards? Mealworms! But are they really worms or something else? Approximately 1.5 hours

What are some of the cool characteristics of animals with fur, feathers, scales, and slime? Find out in this hands-on exploration of animal life. Class is divided into 2 groups (when class is more than 15 students). While one group is with the Saskatoon Zoo Society educator the other group has time for a self-guided tour of the Zoo. Groups then switch. Total program time is 1.5 hours.

In this program, we will look at what it means to be an endangered animal and what animals need in order to be successful in their environment. We will look at a few endangered species in Saskatchewan and what may have caused them to be a species at risk. Just before we meet a few of our animal ambassadors, the students will be asked to suggest ways in which they can help out our animal friends. Total program time is 2 hours.

How did they build that?

Animals have special adaptations to either build elaborate structures or have body parts that structurally enable them to be safe or help them guide their way through life efficiently. Students will get a close-up look at some real animal structures and will be introduced to some of our socialized animals that have special adaptations or use unique homes or structures to keep them alive. Approximately 2 hours

We’ll explore our prairie marsh to see what invertebrates call Saskatchewan home. Classes larger than 15 students will be split into 2 groups (with the other half being self-guided unless combined with another program). Program duration is 45 minutes per group. NOTE: pond dipping program is seasonal. Typically runs mid-May to third week of September

This program includes a SMART board presentation and animal artefacts (feathers, talons, vertebrae etc.) to demonstrate concepts in the presentation.
*No live animals are presented in this program. On Site Program includes time for a self-guided tour of the owls and other animals at the Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. Ten pellets are included with the program. Program duration is 1.5 hours

*ADDITIONAL COST: EXTRA OWL PELLETS
Teacher’s may opt to do purchase additional pellets. Owl Pellets are an additional cost of $4.50/small pellets or $9.00/large pellets (for 2 students)
The teacher will be invoiced directly. (The extra owl pellet cost is not included with any program, including where the program fee is covered by a school board or third party.)

This program looks at how animals use their special adaptations in order to survive in a variety of habitats. Program takes place in the Affinity Learning Centre. Includes a presentation and animal artefacts. Then the class will be divided into 2 groups (when class is more than 15 students). While one group is with the Saskatoon Zoo Society educator and our animal ambassadors, the other group has time for a self-guided tour of the Zoo. Groups then switch. Total program time is 2 hours.

Why do living organisms have such strange scientific names? This program will look at the history of classification and understanding how and why living creatures are given their names. This includes hands-on time with biofacts and some of the animal ambassadors. Program takes place in the Affinity Learning Centre. Includes a presentation on mammal classification including animal artefacts. Then the class will be divided into 2 groups (when class is more than 15 students). While one group is with the Saskatoon Zoo Society educator and our animal ambassadors, the other group has time for a self-guided tour of the Zoo. Groups then switch. Total program time is 2 hours.

This program discusses the importance of a healthy environment and human health while discovering why Saskatchewan has so many species at risk. This program focuses on Indigenous viewpoints of the land and species, and on what can be done to support the health of the land. Program takes place in the Affinity Learning Centre. Program starts with a presentation and then the class will be divided into 2 groups (when class is more than 15 students). While one group is with the Saskatoon Zoo Society educator and our animal ambassadors, the other group has time for a self-guided tour of the Zoo. Groups then switch. Total program time is 2 hours. There is a Species at Risk video tour of the zoo that you can request to view at a later date. The video goes more in-depth on species at risk found at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.

Contact us to discuss options!