EdZOOcation Programs

Join us for a story and a visit with two to three of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors.

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.

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?

We’ll explore our prairie marsh to see what invertebrates call Saskatchewan home. ONSITE ONLY.

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.

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.

This program looks at the ecology of owls in Saskatchewan. Unlike other birds of prey, owls cannot digest their prey’s bones. What’s left behind instead is known as an owl pellet. Scientists use these pellets to study the biodiversity of the owl’s habitat.
Ten small owl pellets or 5 large owl pellets (good for 2 students) are included with your booking.
*No live animals are presented in this program.
*ADDITIONAL COST: EXTRA OWL PELLETS
Teacher’s may opt to do purchase additional pellets. Owl Pellets are an additional cost (call for current cost). 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.

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 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.

Part I
We will define evolution and its key drivers. 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.
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.
RE9.3
Describe the processes and implications of sexual and asexual reproduction in plants and animals.

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.
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 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.
BI30-OL3
Explore how the dynamic nature of biological classification reflects advances in scientific understanding of relationships among organisms. (SI, CP)

Programs available for other groups such as Seniors Groups, Homeschoolers, Girl Guides, etc. Please email to inquire.