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
- Earn professional development hours
- Have a fun time at the Zoo!
Teacher Workshop Dates:
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Friday, April 3, 2026
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
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
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
Plan your visit today!
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
Plan your visit today!
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
