John Ball Zoological Garden

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Education Programs At The Zoo

photo of a parrot Attention Teachers:

Are you looking for a fun way to teach your students about wildlife? Whether you are looking for the opportunity to visit the zoo on your own or you are looking for someone to come to your classroom, the John Ball Zoo has a program to fit your needs. Take a look at the following programs offered by the Education Department ...and if you see one that interests you please call us at 616-336-4301.

Traveling Zoo:

Have an up-close encounter with zoo animals in the comfort of your own classroom or facility. Zoo instructors and/or trained volunteer educators will bring live animals to schools, scout troops, retirement groups... you name it!

Programs are flexible and fun, and can be designed to meet your needs. Frequently requested topics include: Animal Classification, Michigan Animals, Body Coverings, Endangered Species, Predator/Prey Relationships, Animals in Winter, or just General Interest.

photo of instructor

Animal Adventures:

This program takes place entirely at the Zoo. Participants get a "hands-on" session given by a zoo instructor using live animals and animal "biofacts" (bones, feathers, pelts, etc.) to illustrate educational concepts. This is followed by an opportunity to tour the zoo on your own.

Programs are flexible and fun, and can be designed to meet your needs. Frequently requested topics include: Body Coverings, Endangered Species, Reptiles, Mammals, Birds, Animal Classification, Animals in Winter, Living Shores and more.

Animal Study Units:

photo of instructor Presented by Zoo volunteers, this program is designed to correspond with Kent County Collaborative Core Curriculum and Michigan's Science Standards. Participating teachers receive a classroom preparation packet containing background information, class activities and resources. The fieldtrip to the zoo includes an animal demonstration and a guided tour to enhance the topic. Available topics are: Vertebrate Classification, Habitats & Adaptations, Vertebrates & Invertebrates or Web of Life. Dates available from mid September to early May.

Discovery Boxes:

These boxes provide an easy and exciting way for teachers to bring a taste of the wild to the classroom. Each box contains a wide variety of items including animal "biofacts" (bones, feathers, skins, etc.), lesson plans and often games, audiovisual materials, books and magazine articles.

Topics are many and varied, but all are designed to enhance your school curriculum.

Self-Guided Tours:

For classes unable to take part in our other programs, we offer self-guided tours. These are written tours of the zoo with information about the exhibits and include a reproducible student activity sheet to use while on tour.

Zoo School

Zoo School is a permanent school on-site at the Zoo. Two classes of sixth graders take their entire school year at the Zoo. This program operated by the Grand Rapids Public School System, has been housed at the Zoo for over 20 years.

Surprise Quiz!
lizard graphic lizard graphic

You've had an ed-zoo-cational experience while visiting our web pages! What did you learn?

  1. What birds at John Ball Zoo have had chicks which have been returned to the wild? [Answer]
  2. Name two endangered species at John Ball Zoo. [Answer]
  3. How long has the statue of John Ball been greeting visitors? [Answer]
  4. What does SSP stand for? [Answer]
  5. The Zoo recently received a conservation award for helping what species of animal? [Answer]
  6. When did the Zoo first start keeping animals? [Answer]
  7. How many species of animals does the Zoo currently have? [Answer]
  8. What was the original name of the park? [Answer]
  9. What is a "flagship species"? [Answer]