“Enrichment in and beyond the classroom”
Contact Us: zooed@fotzkc.org
A program through
Our Programs

ZooED K - 5
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​​ZooED K - 5 is made up of two curriculum options.
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Meet the [Animal] K - 5
These animal units are led by the teacher as the entire class works together to learn about the unit’s featured animal. Each unit includes one to two read aloud books and materials for units that include hands on activities. Within each unit, students are introduced to basic information about the animal, their adaptations and new vocabulary words. Units typically incorporate an ELA, math or science standard with a few featuring social studies.
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Meet the [Animal] features 24 animals and is separated into two groups; K-2 and 3-5based on state standard alignment, reading level of read aloud book, and difficulty of activity.
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ZooED Project Based Learning 4 - 5​
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This curriculum is a group-based project for students in 4th and 5th grade. While teachers guide students through the tasks, students will work in teams to learn about different zoo careers, develop conservation messaging, build a zoo habitat model, create a souvenir item, and more! This project will take several days to complete.
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Project Based Learning 4 - 5 features eight different animals. Each class will receive a set of reference and research books to aid in project completion.
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ZooED 6-7
Manage the [Animal]
Available to students in 6th and 7th grade, Manage the [Animal] is a project-based learning experience in which students explore zoo careers and take on the roles of zookeepers, veterinarians, nutritionists, and educators. Student teams learn what it takes to feed, care for, create a habitat, and teach others about one of six zoo animals.
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ZooED 8+
Maintain the [Animal]
​Recommended for grades 8 and up, Maintain the [Animal] is a project-based learning experience that turns secondary students into conservationists. Students study the work of famous geneticists and conservationists like Gregor Mendel, Jane Goodall, and Stephen O’Brien, and learn about the role of genetics in animal conservation.
Student teams research one of six species in the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium's collection to develop a studbook with breeding recommendations, just like the ones used by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
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