Zoomobile is a cost effective alternative to bring a program to your students without the added stresses of coming out to the park.Our Education Programs are designed to meet the B.C. science curriculum, fulfilling a range of Learning Outcomes from B.C. Ministry of Education Integrated Resource Packages.
Are you interested in booking an education program at the BC Wildlife Park for your school or class? Come and meet our new Education Coordinator and receive free admission, a tour to familiarize yourself with our facility and learn more about our new education programs developed based on the BC Learning Outcomes. Lunch and beverages will be served. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce the BC Wildlife Park as a potential field trip location that not only offers a unique educational experience, but also supports the conservation of wildlife native to BC, and their habitats. The BC Wildlife Park is unique in that our focus is on conservation and education, rather than the display of animals. Our educational programs can accommodate students Pre-school/Daycare to Grade 12 and are offered year round at the park or in your classroom. For more information:
edu@bczoo.org 250-573-3242 x 228 Programs by Grade Level Preschool & Daycare
Kindergarten
Primary
Intermediate
Junior
Senior
Frequently Asked Questions
Preschool & Daycare Animal Senses Why is smell so important to some animals? Do snakes use their tongue to smell? Imagine using your feet to taste your food! Discover animals whose power to feel, see, hear and taste will amaze you! Explore the fascinating ways animals sense the world around them. Students will use their sense of hearing, sight, and touch to compare and contrast special adaptations animals have that help them capture food, avoid predators, and communicate with each other. An interactive story will demonstrate how animals use their senses to survive, and the special adaptations that allow them to do so. Students will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom during one of our animal encounters. Learning Outcome Connections: Characteristics of Living Things, Observation and Communicating, Properties of Objects and Materials Who Am I? What does a snake skin look like? Is beaver fur soft? Get up close and personal with a variety of animal artifacts, try to figure out which fur belongs to which animal, and learn fun facts about animals along the way. Students will learn how to distinguish between different animal artifacts through shape, size, colour, texture and weight. Comparisons will be made among different animal characteristics while observing animal artifacts. An interactive activity will allow students to further use their observations to identify animals. Students will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom during one of our animal encounters. Learning Outcome Connections: Characteristics of Living Things, Observation and Communicating, Properties of Objects and Materials
Kindergarten Bees and Me Why are bees beneficial and important to our environment? Discover how interesting bees can be. Students will be introduced to life through a bee's eyes. Through an interactive skit students will learn about life stages of a bee, how bees collect pollen, how bees communicate and how bees help people. Learning Outcome Connections: Characteristics of Living Things, Observation and Communicating, Properties of Objects and Materials Feet, Feet, Feet What do animals use their feet for? Why do animals have different sizes and shapes of feet? Learn about different adaptations for locomotion in a variety of habitats. Students will explore the different ways in which animals get around and the special adaptations that allow them to do so. Students will learn how to compare and identify different colour, shape, size of feet and distinguish between human and animal feet. Students will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom during one of our animal encounters. Learning Outcome Connections: Characteristics of Living Things, Observation and Communicating, Properties of Objects and Materials
Primary (Grades 1 - 3) Snakes from Scales to Tails Do snakes have feet? Are snakes slimy? Learn how snakes are important in the ecosystem. Students will gain an understanding of basic environmental needs of snakes. Similarities and differences in appearance, behavior and life cycles of the nine species of snakes native to BC will be covered. Students will explore hibernacula and population declines. Students will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom during one of our animal encounters. Learning Outcome Connections:
Whooo Gives a Hoot? Did you know that not all owls are nocturnal? Imagine you are an owl! What special adaptations do you need to survive in your environment? With 15 species of owls calling BC home, it is important to learn about these fascinating animals and their habitat. Students will explore the world of owls while learning about their diet, habitat, and adaptations. Students will learn about similarities and differences in appearance, behavior and habitat requirements of different species of owls, how they interact with their environment and the role they play in the ecosystem. Students will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom during one of our animal encounters. Learning Outcome Connections:
Intermediate (Grades 4 - 7) Animal Adaptations Have you ever wondered why owls have big eyes? Learn all about the amazing animal adaptations that allow animals to interact and survive in different ecosystems. Students will have an opportunity to compare structures and behaviors of native wildlife of BC, learn how animals adapt to their environments, and discuss simple food chains. Structures and behaviors of local animals in different habitats will be explored. Students will learn to analyze how different animals adapt to their environment, and assess survival needs and interactions between animals and their ecosystem. Students will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom during one of our animal encounters. Learning Outcome Connections:
Raptor Ecology Why does an owl move its head and not its eyes? What makes raptors so special? Explore the world of raptors and their important roles in the ecosystem. Students will learn about different species of raptors of BC and determine different structures and behaviors between owls, hawks, and falcons, how they adapt to their environment, human impact and the roles they play in ecosystem interactions. Students will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom during one of our animal encounters. Learning Outcome Connections:
Junior (Grades 8 and 9) Going, Going, Gone! What animals are endangered? Why are they endangered? What can you do to help? Learn about endangered species and ecosystems in BC, captive breeding and reintroduction programs. Students will explore what researchers are doing to help protect the endangered species of BC, and the roles zoos play in conservation. This program will focus on Spotted Owls, Badgers, Vancouver Island Marmots, and Burrowing Owls. Students will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom during one of our animal encounters. Learning Outcome Connections:
Grassland Ecology Why are grasslands such an important ecosystem? Learn about the fascinating animals that call grasslands home! This program will introduce students to grassland ecology and explore interconnectivity of BC's ecosystems. An interactive one hour program links animal species to ecosystems and addresses land resources management tactics to preserve critical habitat. Students will participate in a mini Land Resource Management Plan decision making process. Students will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom during one of our animal encounters. Learning Outcome Connections:
Senior (grades 10 - 12) Here Today Gone Tomorrow Did you know that there are 1600 threatened and endangered species in BC alone? Did you know that ecosystems can be endangered as well? Learn about the importance of protecting our species and ecosystems in our beautiful province. Students will learn about interrelationships between humans and wildlife habitats, captive breeding, reintroduction, and classifications of endangered species in BC. Learn about endangered species native to BC including Spotted Owl, Vancouver Island Marmot, Badger, Burrowing Owls. Students will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom during one of our animal encounters. Learning Outcome Connections:
Career in Conservation Have you ever wanted to be a zookeeper? Do you have a passion for animals and conservation? Find out what it takes to become a zookeeper. Student will have an opportunity to explore different career paths in wildlife conservation and education. Education and practical experience requirements for a variety of career choices will be discussed. A hands on portion of this program will include a behind the scene tour and meeting and greeting some animals and their keepers. Students will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom during one of our animal encounters. Learning Outcome Connections:
What if I need to cancel? Cancellation can be made 2 weeks prior to arrival date. Once payment is received there is a 100% cancellation fee. What happens after I send in my registration form? This form does not confirm your reservation. You will receive a confirmation by fax. What if I want my class to visit the park without an education program? Please call (250) 573-3242 extension 228 and request a Group Booking Form. For groups of 100 people or more booking and paying 2 weeks in advance can receive discounted group admission rates. For groups of less than 10 people or do not book and pay in advance are subject to regular admission rates. Are the dates I want available? If the dates you requested are not available then one of our staff will notify you by phone and arrange for you to visit on another day. To avoid disappointment and a delay in booking please be sure to select 3 options. How do I pay for an education program? Once your booking has been confirmed you will receive an invoice with your final program total. Payment must be received at the BC Wildlife Park at least 2 weeks in advance of your program. Failure to pay in full, two weeks in advance will result in loss of space. We accept cash, debit, cheque, mastercard and visa payments. Cheques can be made payable to the BC Wildlife Park. Payment can be processed over the phone for credit card or at the park for cash, debit and cheque. How do I book a train ride? The train is run by dedicated volunteers who specifically come out for groups. Please mark off on your booking form that you are interested in the train. Your train time will be scheduled based on the time you will be arriving and departing the park as well as the time your program is scheduled. Payments for the train are due at the time of booking and you will be issued a train ticket on arrival. Please be at the train station with your group at the specified time. How do I confirm a booking? You will receive a confirmation by fax. Please read over this carefully to insure all information is correct. Once looked over please sign and fax back to (250) 573-2406. Can I change the date of my program? Once your program date has been confirmed we are unable to change the date of your program. How long are the programs? The programs are 30-45 minutes long, depending on grade level. What if I prefer to come out to the Park?Option 1: You can participate in an educational program at the park. Please click here for information.Option 2: You can come out to the park as a group and not partake in an educational program. Please click here for more information.
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