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Zoo Classes

Photo: Shark watching by John PostAdd an education class to your next trip to the Zoo! It could be the highlight at the beginning or end of your in-classroom teaching units. Animal visitors and activities make these classes an experience that could only be found at the Zoo. These 45-minute classes for 25-30 students are offered on Monday–Friday. Available September to May 18.

Fee $3.00 per student ($36 minimum), chaperones free plus applicable admission. Register online by clicking on the links below. Call (952) 431-9218 for information. The program instructor reserves the right to limit the number of chaperones due to classroom space.

*** This indicates a special 90 minute ZooQuest class that includes a specialized monorail ride. The cost of this program is $6.00 per student/$3.00 per chaperone ($70 minimum) plus applicable admission. Available Tuesdays-Thursdays, October-March. Click on the button below this text to register for this unique program!

Click here to register for a 45 minute Zoo Class
Click here to register for a 90 minute ZooQuest Class

K–1st GRADE PROGRAMS

Making Sense of Minnesota
Our senses are remarkable! Oh the things we learn when we stop, look, listen and feel.
Minnesota is a great place to live, we can sense that!
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Oceans Alive!
Come explore the underwater world of coral, sea turtles, sharks and dolphins. Discover what they need to survive under the sea.
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Fabulous Farms
Come meet the residents of the Wells Fargo Family Farm, as we learn what farm animals look, feel, sound, and even smell like!
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2nd–3rd GRADE PROGRAMS

Animal Colors and Patterns Class
Reptiles are red, birds are blue — these colorful creatures will amaze you! Come learn about the many different kinds of "clothing" found in nature and how animals use their colors and patterns to survive.
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Bouncing Back/ ZooQuest***
What species on the Northern Trail are endangered? Why are they in trouble? Students will learn about endangered species, how humans have affected these populations, and how zoos play an important role in their conservation.
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Colorful Corals Class
Corals are animals that create reefs, one of the most colorful places on earth. How does coral build such elaborate homes and create structures that benefit the other animals of the sea? Swim by to find out.
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Dolphin Dive Class
Join us as we dive into the underwater world of dolphins and their close relatives, whales. We will highlight the unique and unbelievable characteristics of these marine mammals as we explore their ocean world.
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Farm Fresh Class
Farms produce many materials that are integral to our daily lives, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. Come tour the farm and learn about the animals.
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Furry History of Minnesota/ ZooQuest***
What was it like to be a voyager in Minnesota 200 years ago? Students will go back in time with a historical character and develop a basic understanding of the relationships between animals and humans in the 1800's.
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Shark Secrets Class
Sharks are a unique type of fish. We will compare and contrast shark characteristics and unlock some of this fish's watery secrets.
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Sea Turtle Trials
Adaptation to life underwater has helped sea turtles survive from ancient times to today. Explore the early life trials of sea turtles and discover what few changes can help them survive into the future.
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Totally Tropcis
Tropical rain forests are home to over half of the world's living organisms. We will explore the tropics as we look at the unique characteristics of the plants and animals that call it home.
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Wild Minnesota Communities
Communities are places where we live, work, and inter-connect. How do Minnesota animals interact and depend on one another to make their animal communities work?
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4th–6th GRADE CLASSES

Ag in Action
Agriculture is an important part of Minnesota’s history. We’ll take a look at what agriculture commodities are grown and raised in Minnesota and where those products end up.
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Animal Classifieds
Wanted: a system to organize living things based on a variety of criteria. Previous experience not required.
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Bare Necessities
We all have survival needs to meet. Many animals play games of ‘give and take’ and “survival of the fittest”. Learn about the rules of the game and who ends up the winner.
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Bouncing Back/ ZooQuest***
What species on the Northern Trail are endangered? Why are they in trouble? Students will learn about endangered species, how humans have affected these populations, and how zoos play an important role in their conservation.
Standards Information

Colorful Corals Class
Corals are animals that create reefs, one of the most colorful places on earth, and it's not an easy job! Find out for yourself as you try to establish and maintain a coral reef through an interactive game.
Standards Information

Dolphin Dive Class
Dive deeply into the dolphin world as we compare and contrast characteristics of the two groups of whales (yes, dolphins are a type of whale). We'll study echolocation and learn how these animals are able to stay warm in the icy waters of the sea.
Standards Information

Furry History of Minnesota/ ZooQuest***
What was it like to be a voyager in Minnesota 200 years ago? Students will go back in time with a historical character to study the historical impact of humans on the environment.
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Shark Secrets Class
Sharks are a unique type of fish. We will look at the secret adaptations that make them efficient predators of the seas.
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Sea Turtle Trials
Each year thousands of newly hatched sea turtles make the hazardous journey from land to sea. Come learn about the amazing survival instincts of these creatures and the challenges they face in their development from eggs to adults.
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Totally Tropics Class
The tropics is home to over half of the world's living organisms. Where do they all fit? Come explore the different layers of the fascinating rainforest ecosystem.
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Vanishing Animals
There are certain criteria that can predict if an animal is a vanishing candidate. We will look deeper into these characteristics and discover what influences humans have on their survival.
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Wild about Minnesota
Minnesota is wild place to live. Travel north, west, or southeast and you’ll visit different ‘worlds’. Come learn what species call Minnesota home and who act like a native.

7th-12th GRADE PROGRAMS

Advancements in Agriculture
What do Dolly the sheep and the Minnesota Zoo’s Lantz the bull have in common? They represent the advancements in technology in farming today. Explore the future of farming and biotechnology in this special farm class.
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Beyond the Menagerie
Zoos are more than a mere collection of animals! They have evolved into immersive habitats, education centers, and conservation havens of the world. Learn how zoos continue to evolve.
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Bouncing Back/ ZooQuest***
Bison, bluebirds, pronghorn, wild turkey, wood duck, and trumpeter swans! Meet these Northern Trail animals that have made a dramatic comeback from the edge of extinction.
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Furry History of Minnesota/ ZooQuest***
What was it like to be a “Voyageur” in Minnesota 200 years ago? Develop an understanding of the relationships between animals and humans as you go back in time with a naturalist in historical costume.
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Marine Mysteries Class
Coral reefs are disappearing at an alarming rate. Are humans to blame? Investigate the complex interactions of this ecosystem.
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Nature vs Nurture
What influences an animal’s behavior? Animal observation will be done using various sampling methods.
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Vanishing Animals Class
How can researchers predict whether or not an animal is in danger of extinction? We'll learn about the characteristics that researchers look for, and talk about the role that zoo's play in the conservation of endangered species.
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Zoo Rendezvous
You can now schedule Zoomobile’s popular road programs during your visit to the Zoo. See the Zoomobile section of our Web site for more information.