TBZ’s Education Department offers a variety of engaging and informative programs that satisfy many science benchmarks. Most programs last 45 minutes and can be adapted to meet different ages and abilities. Please see individual program descriptions for details.
Cost
Standard classroom programs for 30 individuals is $155.
This price is for onsite programs only; adults and children are all included in the 30 person limit. Zoo admission is not included in the program price. Entrance tickets must be purchased separately. Please call guest relations at 973-731-5800 x221 for group pricing information.
Program Options
These programs encourage critical thinking about and meaningful connections to the biology, ecology, and evolution of animals by using guided inquiry, animal ambassadors, and appropriate biofacts to illustrate key scientific concepts and themes. Programs are suggested by age, however please feel free to discuss with us your group’s needs and how our program content may fit into your curriculum.
- Younger Audiences
- Older Audiences
- Additional Offerings
- Animal Coverings
Description: Relating to the purpose of our own skins, students investigate the types and functions of animal coverings such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. This is a great class even for pre-K children, and generally includes one touchable animal ambassador.
- Animal Adaptations
Description: Students discuss adaptations as a concept and explore examples of both physical and behavioral adaptations as demonstrated by a variety of zoo animal ambassadors.
- Animal Habitats
Description: Every wild habitat supplies its inhabitants with what they need to live, but also presents challenges that must be addressed. Students will explore a few major of habitats, meet some animal ambassadors, discover how habitats provide basic needs and how environmental challenges are managed.
- Animal Enrichment
Description: Students examine the needs of animals, from feeding and cleaning, to providing the mentally and physically stimulating environments that ensure the health and welfare of mind, body, and soul. Includes meeting a few ambassador animals and an enrichment-creating activity.
- Animal Myths
Description: This program presents and analyzes some myths and misconceptions about animals. Students will meet live animals and discover that fact, while different from fiction, is just as amazing.
- Endangered Species and Extinction
Description: What does it mean to be endangered? Students will consider a variety of pathways to extinction and will meet some ambassador animals that illustrate the definitions of endangered or invasive species.
- Zoo Conservation and Stewardship
Description: Caring for our animal ambassadors goes deeper than just feeding and cleaning! Participants in this program will engage in a discussion about the history of zoos and TBZ; the evolution of our conservation, education, and research mission; and what we do to protect and serve wildlife locally and globally.
- Anatomy and Physiology
Description: Using birds as a model organism, students will illustrate and describe the structures, functions, and organization of animals. Includes an extensive display of related biofacts plus an opportunity to meet ambassador animals and discuss how both their internal and external anatomies have evolved to aid in survival. Biofacts will be incorporated into the lesson to illustrate the internal design of our animal subjects.
- Biology, Evolution, and Adaptations
Description: Students will examine the connections between biology, the environment, and adaptive situations that inform the process of evolution in various species. The lesson includes a brief overview of cell division and genetics, followed by a discussion of various genetic expressions. Students will learn about the benefit or detriment certain adaptations pose to individual animals, and the effects on their survival in the wild. This program is about 90 minutes.
- Enriching Life (Animal Enrichment, Training, and Animal Behavior)
Description: Touch, target, and tap! Find out how our keepers work with our animals in order to keep them mentally and physically healthy. Learn about the different types of enrichment, training, and behavior monitoring and how they contribute to the animal welfare program at TBZ.
Distance Learning: TBZ Education Distance Learning is an opportunity to access TBZ programming remotely. Content can be based on current education programs or tailored to the needs/specifications of the group. Distance Learning programs may be a single event, a multiple event arc addressing multiple topics, or as an introduction to/review of a TBZ field trip.
Special Needs Groups: We enjoy providing engaging zoo content-based programs to everyone! Programming for special needs groups is available upon request; please call or email so we can discuss how we might provide the best possible education experience for your group.
Sleepunders at the Zoo: Enjoy a wild night filled with adventure at the Turtle Back Zoo! Observe our animals in the dark, interact with our Educators and Keepers, and discover how our zoo works behind the scenes. Snacks, age appropriate story time, and animal presentations are included. Then, once the evening of adventure is over, return home to your own bed to sleep the night away. Sleepunders are offered between 6-10pm.
Daily On Grounds Public Programs: Live animal presentations are given daily in season (May-October). Keeper talks and animal feedings are often given throughout the day. Please check the activity board at the zoo for times and locations.
For additional information or to book your program, contact Lisa Golden at [email protected].