curriculum for the classroom
Spark Creativity with Zoo Projects
Our dedicated team of educators is excited to help you integrate the magic of the animal kingdom into your classroom! Check out our self-paced, project-based curricular offerings below.
What is included with all the Curriculum Programs?
- In-depth Teacher Guide with AZ State Standards alignment, lesson plans and assessments
- Student Research Notebook PDF
- Support materials for each lesson including videos, recommended research sources and activity worksheets
- A live, virtual 30-minute Q&A session with a Phoenix Zoo educator OR all-inclusive kit
- Teacher Workshop experience is included for FREE with purchase of the program!
Why attend a Teacher Workshop?
- Increase your confidence in using the Zoo’s curriculum and resources
- Develop a deeper understanding of content knowledge
- Collaborate with a network of other teachers throughout the state doing the same project
- Participate in exclusive zoo experiences
- Includes participation for you and your students in the Phoenix Zoo’s Community Showcase Day (May 17, 2025)
- Earn professional development hours
- Have a fun time at the Zoo!
Embark on a captivating journey as students dive into the world of orangutan care at the Phoenix Zoo! Through engaging videos, games and group work students will learn about the natural behaviors of orangutans and create a model of an engaging and research-based new invention for them. Project Orangutan is fun, fascinating and promotes hands-on, authentic problem-solving.
Aligned to AZ State Standards for Grades 1 – 6
Cost: $175 per classroom*
Duration: Learner-led curriculum. Recommended timeframe is 9 weeks; 60 minutes per week
Teacher Workshop Dates:
July 11, 2024 8 a.m. – Noon
August 31, 2024 8 a.m. – Noon
Biomimicry (drawing inspiration from nature) is a rapidly growing STEM field and has the potential to change how people view the world around them. Developed in collaboration with Arizona State University’s Biomimicry Center, the BioConnect Kit includes a collection of natural artifacts, 3D printed biomimicry demonstration modules, plus videos and lesson plans.
Aligned to AZ State Standards for Grades 6 – 8
Cost: $50 per classroom*
Duration: Learner-led curriculum. Recommended timeframe is 1 week; 60 mins per day
Teacher Workshop Dates:
July 11, 2024 8 a.m. – Noon
August 31, 2024 8 a.m. – Noon
Throughout this project, students will learn about many endangered species that the Phoenix Zoo works to save and the actions we are taking to try and help them. Conserving endangered species is a complex process and every action that we humans take, whether intentional or not, impacts the environment around us. By the end of this project, students will create and present a Save a Species plan based on the recovery of the endangered species of their choice and discover how everyone can make a difference!
Aligned to AZ State Standards for Grades 6 – 12
Cost: $175 per classroom*
Duration: Learner-led curriculum. Recommended timeframe is 9 weeks; 60-90 minutes per week
Teacher Workshop Dates:
July 18, 2024 8 a.m. – Noon
October 5, 2024 8 a.m. – Noon
Project Orangutan:
Embark on a captivating journey as students dive into the world of orangutan care at the Phoenix Zoo! Through engaging videos, games and group work students will learn about the natural behaviors of orangutans and create a model/prototype of an engaging and research-based behavioral enrichment item. Students will also learn why orangutans are important to their ecosystem and feel empowered to make responsible consumer choices that limit orangutan habitat loss due to palm oil. Project Orangutan is fun, fascinating and promotes hands-on, authentic problem-solving.
Suggested Age: Grades 3-6
Duration: Learner-led curriculum. Recommended timeframe is 9 weeks; 60 minutes per week
Cost: $175 per classroom
How to Book: Fill out the request form (three weeks advance notice required for scheduling). For questions, call 602.914.4333.
What is included in the program?
- A live, virtual 30-minute Q&A session with a Phoenix Zoo educator**
- In-depth Teacher Guide with:
- Arizona State Standards Alignment (Science, ELA, Math, Educational Technology)
- Detailed content outlines and lesson plans
- Comprehensive materials list
- Assessment rubrics
- Student Guide that outlines the overall project timeline, key vocabulary and assessment criteria
- Pre, post assessment and formative assessments
- Student Research Notebook PDF
- Support materials for each lesson including pre-recorded videos, recommended research sources and activity worksheets,
Bioconnect Kits:
Biomimicry (drawing inspiration from nature) is a rapidly growing STEM field and has the potential to change how people view the world around them. This constantly growing field is at the intersection of biology, engineering, design, art, and mathematics and has the power to help students develop 21st century skills such as critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration and real-world problem-solving. Developed in collaboration with Arizona State University’s Biomimicry Center, the BioConnect Kit includes a collection of natural artifacts, 3D printed biomimicry demonstration modules, animal videos from the Phoenix Zoo, and associated lesson plans for middle school students.
Save the date for our teacher workshop! Participation in the teacher workshop includes free access to the program and $100 stipend.
Workshop Date: January 20, 2024: In-person at the Phoenix Zoo
Project Arizona Wildlife (PAW):
Here at the Phoenix Zoo, helping to conserve endangered species is an important part of our mission and what we do. But conserving endangered species is a complex process and every action that we humans take, whether intentional or not, impacts the environment around us. Sometimes those actions are helpful, while others can harm the environment and there are always multiple points of view to consider in every situation. Throughout this project, students will learn about many endangered species that the Phoenix Zoo works to save and the actions we are taking to try and help them. By the end of this project, students will create and present a Save a Species plan based on the recovery of the endangered species of their choice.
Suggested Age: Grades 6-12
Duration: Learner-led curriculum. Recommended timeframe is 9 weeks; 90 minutes per week
Workshop Dates: February 3 – At the Phoenix Zoo | March 2 – Virtual
Love the Zoo?
The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation advances the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats while providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world.
