home> education> group programs> homeschool happenings
   
  HomeSchool Happenings
   
 
 

Zoo Atlanta has exciting programs for homeschoolers. Register for one or both today!

HomeSchool Field Trip Days

HomeSchool Academy NEW!

HomeSchool Field Trip Days

Join other homeschoolers the first Tuesday of every month from September – May for HomeSchool Field Trip Days.

  • Cost: $8.00 (plus tax) per person; children under 3 years old are admitted FREE and should not be included in your count when registering.
  • Reservations and payment are required at least two weeks in advance in order to obtain the special homeschool rates. Chaperones will not be admitted free unless group size is a minimum of 10 participants.
  • The Zoo will be open on Homeschool Days to the general public and other school groups.
  • If you are a Zoo Atlanta Member, you do not need a reservation and may use your membership for FREE admission on Homeshcool Days! Please note that only the individuals on your Membership will be admitted for free; non-members must make a reservation.

Register for HomeSchool Field Trips or call 404-624-WILD.


HomeSchool Academy NEW!

Join Zoo Atlanta for an afternoon of learning and discovery designed specifically for home school students. The HomeSchool Academy is a unique program allowing students to explore animal and science concepts in a fun, interactive environment. Programs are grade-appropriate and include games, activities, Zoo tours and animal encounters. HomeSchool Academy programs run monthly on specific Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., September through May.

Cost

  • Members: $10 per student per class
    $8 if registering for the entire semester or for registering 3 or more students.
  • Non-Members: $15 per student per class
    $13 if registering for the entire semester or for registering 3 or more students.

Reservations and payment required at least 7 days in advance of programs.

Register now or call 404.624.WILD to begin your HomeSchool Academy program.

For more information, email education@zooatlanta.org or call 404.624.WILD.

Dates & Topics – Fall 2008 Semester

Grades K-2: Animal Basics
Date

Program Name

Description

September 16

Habitats

Explore the different places where animals live and discover the things animals need to survive.

October 14

Animal Diets

Bugs, rodents, seeds and fruit are just a few things on the menu. Find out what different animals like to eat.

November 11

Animal Anatomy

Discover animal body parts and learn why those parts are important to animals.

December 9

Life Cycles

Tadpoles become frogs and caterpillars become butterflies. Learn how animals change and grow throughout their life cycles.


Grades 3-5: Amazing Adaptations
Date

Program Name

Description

September 16

Physical Adaptations

Discover the amazing adaptations that help animals survive.

October 14

Behavioral Adaptations

Learn all about the crazy things animals do to avoid predators and defend their territories.

November 11

Camouflage and Coloration

Some animals blend in while others like to stick out. Find out why in this program devoted to color.

December 9

Symbiotic Relationships

Explore some of the complex relationships in the animal world and examine the concepts of mutualism, commensalism and parasitism.


Grades 6-8: Animal Scientists
Date

Program Name

Description

September 16

Animal Classification

Go beyond fur, feathers and scales to learn how scientists identify and categorize animals.

October 14

Animal Tracking and Evidence

Track down some of your favorite animals by investigating the clues they leave behind, and learn how scientists use these clues to study wildlife.

November 11

In-Situ Research

Discover the different types of animal research in captivity and participate in some research at the Zoo.

December 9

Ex-Situ Research

Explore animal research in the wild and learn more about scientific methods.


Grades 9-12: Zoo Careers
Date

Program Name

Description

September 16

Zoo Keeping

There’s more to being a zookeeper than cleaning. Find out all about this fun career working with animals.

October 14

Veterinary Medicine

Vets are responsible for the health of all the animals at Zoo Atlanta. Come learn more about the fascinating world of veterinary care.  

November 11

Education, Conservation and Research

Zoo Atlanta is involved in more than just animal care. Explore careers in education, conservation and research at the Zoo.

December 9

Other Careers in Conservation

Zoos aren’t the only places for conservation. Discover other animal and conservation careers outside the zoo world.

HomeSchool Academy Frequently Asked Questions

What will my child do during the class?
Classes vary somewhat in structure, but all include animal encounters, hands-on activities and time in the Zoo. Lesson plans and post-visit activities will be available for you and your student at the conclusion of each class.

What are the benefits of registering for a Zoo Atlanta HomeSchool Academy program?
These programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of the home school community. Besides learning important life science concepts, participants have the opportunity to interact with other home school students.

If my children fall into different grade levels, can I register them for the same class?
To maximize individual learning experiences, we ask that you register your children in their correct grade levels, as programs meet the needs of specified age groups. We must adhere strictly to these groupings to ensure that your child’s program is a positive experience.

May I participate in or observe the class with my child?
Classes are designed for children who are able to successfully participate in group-oriented programs without parental involvement. Classroom space is limited, so we cannot permit additional persons to sit in on programs. You may tour the Zoo while your student is in class.

May younger siblings participate in or observe the classes?
Because programs are designed to meet the needs of specific age groups, we cannot allow younger siblings to sit in on programs, but they may tour the Zoo with you during the class.

May I stay in the Zoo while my child is in class?
You may tour the Zoo while your child is in class. One parent per registered student and siblings 2 years old and younger are admitted into the Zoo for free. Additional parents and siblings may enjoy the Zoo at the reduced rate of $5 per person.

Where are the classes held?
Classes are conducted on Zoo grounds in one of our Base Camp Discovery education classrooms or in the Conservation Action Resource Center (ARC).

Do I have to register for every class in a semester?
No, you do not have to register for an entire semester. While registering for the semester will give your student a comprehensive life science experience, we do understand that home school schedules need to be flexible. You may register for one, two or all classes, depending on your preference.

For more information, email education@zooatlanta.org or call 404-624.WILD.

   
 

Back to Education Group Programs Page

   
© Copyright 2008 Atlanta Fulton County Zoo, Inc. All Rights Reserved
800 Cherokee Avenue, SE
Atlanta, GA 30315