TEACHER PACKETS
Woodland Park Zoo teacher packets contain background information, fact sheets, activity ideas and resource information. Activities included in teacher packets help you meet Washington's Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and Washington's Environmental and Sustainability Education Standards. Most activities are designed for use with students in grades K-12 and all are easily adapted to suit your needs. The packets can be used to help you design a curriculum for use at the zoo or in your classroom.
Teacher packets are available in small downloadable sections. To access, click on the link associated with the section you’d like to download.
African Savanna
The central theme of this packet is the balance of nature. You and your students will examine the relationships between plants, animals and people of the east African savanna. This packet includes information about ecotourism and how people can minimize their impact on this fragile and fascinating part of the world.
Introduction
Background
Fact Sheets
Vocabulary
Resources
Activities
Conservation Links
Amazing Arthropods
The group of animals classified as arthropods is the largest, most diverse group of animals in the world. It includes insects, spiders and lobsters. This packet will help you and your students explore these fascinating and vitally important animals.
Introduction
Background
References and Resources
Activities
Glossary
Bug World
Fact Sheets
Conservation Links
For additional information on Arthropods see the downloadable presentation
Apes
This packet, designed for grades 6-9, focuses on apes and helps students to make connections between the physical, behavioral and environmental characteristics of apes. The packet also explores the urgent issue of ape conservation. Using an interdisciplinary approach, activities are woven throughout the packet, providing students with opportunities to build an
understanding of apes’ adaptations and strategies for survival.
Introduction
Objectives and Introduction to Apes
Ape Environments
Physical Characteristics
Ape Behavior
Ape Conservation
Glossary and Resources
Fact Sheets
Conservation Links
Endangered Species
This packet is designed for grades 5-12, but includes background information and a few activities useful for grades K-4. You will find current information regarding endangered species in our state and country, and throughout the world.
Introduction
Background
Glossary and Resources
Activities
Fact Sheets
Conservation Links
For additional information on Endangered Species see the downloadable presentation.
Forest Explorers
This packet was designed to supplement Woodland Park Zoo’s second-grade forest ecology program, but is adaptable for most elementary grades. With sections on forests, habitats, niches and interdependence, and conservation, Forest Explorers compares Washington state’s temperate forests with tropical rain forests of Central and South America.
Introduction
Background
Glossary and Resources
Activities
Fact Sheets
Conservation Links
For additional information on Forests - Tropical and Temperate see the downloadable presentation.
Northern Trail
Life in the far north is hard. The ground is permanently frozen, the sun never shines during part of the winter, and never sets during part of the summer. How do animals and plants adapt to this environment? This packet will help you share the mysteries of Alaska with your students.
Introduction
Background
References
Glossary
Map
Activities
Fact Sheets
Conservation Links
Raptors
Birds of prey are magnificent animals that can be
readily seen in both urban and rural areas.
Since they are top predators, raptors provide an
excellent avenue for studying a wide variety of
biological concepts, such as predator-prey
relationships, adaptations and the effects of
human influence.
Introduction
Background
Activities
Glossary and Resources
Fact Sheets
Conservation Links
For additional information on Bird Basics see the downloadable presentation.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Cold-blooded animals have developed unique
physical characteristics and life cycles for
survival in a variety of habitats. This packet
explores the human-posed
threats faced by reptile and amphibian
populations throughout the world. Specific
examples are provided about species in
Washington state that are threatened or
endangered.
Introduction
Background
Glossary and Resources
Activities
Fact Sheets
Conservation Links
For additional information on Amphibians see the downloadable presentation.
For additional information on Reptiles see the downloadable presentation.
Tropical Asia
Plants, animals and people of tropical Asian
forests are inextricably linked. This packet looks
at interconnections that make life in the tropical
rain forests of Asia possible. This packet helps
students to learn about biodiversity and
interdependence.
* Revised version coming soon
For additional information on Forests -Tropical and Temperate see the downloadable presentation.
Tropical Rain Forest
This packet presents information on the forests
of the world, with an emphasis on tropical
rain forests. Activities and information focus on
the different layers of the forest, and the species
of plants and animals that are uniquely adapted
to each layer. Also provided are ideas on how
you and your students can help conserve
forests.
Introduction
Background
Glossary and Resources
Activities
Fact Sheets
Conservation Links
For additional information on Forests -Tropical and Temperate see the downloadable presentation.
Washington Wildlife
Washington state contains some of the most
diverse ecosystems in the nation. This packet
takes a detailed look, through background
information, activities and resources, at five
different habitat regions: the steppe, montane,
temperate forest, wetland and urban
areas.
Introduction
Background
Glossary and Resources
Plant Lists
Animal Lists
Maps
Fact Sheets
Activities
Activities Grid
Conservation Links
For additional information on Washington Wildlife see the downloadable presentation.
Zoo/Wildlife Careers
Did you know that the zoo employs more than
250 people in careers from accounting to
zookeeping? This packet helps teachers of all
grades guide their students in explorations of
zoo and other wildlife careers.
Introduction
Background
Resources
Activities
FAQs
Conservation Links
For additional information on Keeping the Zoo see the downloadable presentation.