Teacher Programs
Welcome to our Teacher Programs section. Here you will find information on teacher workshops, discounts, animal sponsorships and our teacher forum - where you can discuss your zoo visit with other teachers and submit your own questions and ideas.
Teacher Workshops and Educator Expeditions
Educator Expeditions - Galapagos Islands
ZooMS Teacher Institute - K-5 Teacher workshop
Moose in Minnesota - Teacher workshop
Teacher Workshop - Bats: Integrating Science & Literacy
Uncovering the Oceans - Earn Hamline Graduate Credit
Teacher Resources
Teacher Discounts - Busing assistance for field trips
MN Zoo Teach & Learn TIMES - Educators Newsletter
MN Zoo Teach & Learn Loop - Follow Us on Facebook!
Recycle for Rainforests - Student Conservation Project
Sponsor an Animal - Service project for your students
Educator Expeditions
Galapagos Islands
Dates: July 8-18, 2013
Join the Minnesota Zoo on the most intimate Galapagos Island experience: Lean over the bow of our private group’s boat watching the dolphins riding the bow wave inches away; spot a whale in the distance; anchor in a quiet and secluded cove and much more. Click here for more information and to register.
Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, Duluth, MN
Dates: September 20-22, 2013
Experience the thrill of seeing thousands of raptors migrating from their summer breeding grounds to their warm winter feeding habitats. Includes hands-on bird banding and an evening lecture with Frank Taylor, falconry expert and former director of the Raptor Center, all meals, overnight and programs at the Audubon Center of the North Woods. More information.
ZooMS: Engineering the Modern Zoo
A 3-day training for K-5 STEM coordinators, science specialists, or core curriculum teachers
ZooMS is a new program at the Minnesota Zoo for teachers and students that looks at the Zoo from an engineering perspective. This institute will engage teachers in utilizing animals and the Zoo as a tool to integrate engineering concepts into their curriculum, based on the new Minnesota State Science Standards.
Sessions will focus on Engineering BY Animals (animals that build and use tools), Engineering FROM Animals (biomimicry), and Engineering FOR Animals (designing exhibits, specialty veterinary equipment, etc).
ZooMS Teacher Institute for K-5 Teachers
Date: August 13-15, 2013
Time: 9am-3pm each day
Cost: FREE! Includes lunch, behind-the-scenes tours, resource materials, activities, and 18 CEUs.
This program is full, but waiting list spots may still be available.
The ZooMS Teacher Institute is generously funded by 3M.
Moose in Minnesota
Dates: Fall 2013
Explore a Minnesota iconic species and investigate its declining population. Call 952-431-9568 for more information.
Teacher Workshop: Bats: Integrating Science & Literacy
Date: TBD 2013
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: $40, includes 6 CEUs, resources and activities
Discover how bats can be a great subject for an integrated unit on science and literacy. Explore the science of bats, become acquainted with numerous children's literature selections that focus on bats (both old and new), and meet some of the Zoo's own bats to dispel many of the common myths about these amazing flying mammals.
Uncovering the Oceans Teacher Workshop (offered jointly with Hamline University)
Course Number: SCED 6162
Dates: TBD
Time: TBD
Cost: $75 for 12 CEUs or register and pay for 1 graduate credit through Hamline University
This will be a crash course in marine biology for educators that focuses on marine species, marine ecology, and conservation. Experience hands-on activities that help teach about the world's oceans and the need to protect them - even if you live in Minnesota!
To enroll through Hamline (if you are opting to receive graduate credit instead of CEUs), visit www.hamline.edu/registration or call 651-523-3000.
Teacher Discounts 
Weesner Yellow Bus Fund - Busing assistance for field trips
Bringing your students for a field trip from now through April? Funding is available to subsidize the cost of one or two buses per school. This funding is very limited and will be given out on a first come basis. Schools need to have at least 45% of the student body enrolled in the federal free and reduced lunch program to qualify. Download the application to apply.
Other Teacher Discounts
All teachers receive a 20% discount on “school related” merchandise. Show your school Id or business card to qualify.
School related merchandise includes: Games, Puzzles, Books, DVD’s, Video’s, Music, Pens, Pencils, Animal Replicas, and any other items that will be used in the classroom.
NEW! MNZOO Teach & Learn Times: Electronic Newsletter for Educators
Subscribe to receive bimonthly updates about upcoming teacher events, zoo construction, new programs and exhibits and more!
NEW! MNZOO Teach & Learn Loop: Follow Us on Facebook!
Join the loop to share ideas about teaching, animals and the Minnesota Zoo. Plus, don't miss posts about the regular adventures of our our Flat "Keeper" Stanley as he explores the nooks, crannies and critters of the Minnesota Zoo. 'Like' the loop!
NEW! Recycle for Rainforests:
Student Conservation Project
Start a cell phone recycling drive in your class or school! This is a great opportunity to introduce students to an authentic conservation project with tangible results. Participating schools will receive a book, posters, parent letter templates, educational resources and more! Email us with your address so we can send your free kit to get started today! Want more information? Click here or call 952-431-9568.
Sponsor an Animal
This is a wild community service project for Student Councils or classrooms. For a brochure, fund raising ideas or more information call (952) 431-9216 or visit our Sponsor an Animal web page.
