Educator’s Lounge
With a living laboratory representing more than 200 species, Zoo Atlanta offers countless opportunities for teachers and students to explore, discover, observe and apply real-world context to the lessons learned in school. When students participate in the Zoo’s unique informal education programs, they make connections with animals and the environment to increase science literacy and better understand the methods and implications of cultural and conservation issues around the globe.
Stay Informed!
Be the first to find out about the latest offers for educators, including our biannual Educator Appreciation Day, when you join our educator mailing and email lists. You will also receive our Educator Newsletter full of applicable ideas for your classroom. Sign up by emailng us.
| Get Involved | Plan your Trip | School and Group Programs |
| Class Fundraiser for Giant Pandas | Activities and Guides | Field Trips |
| Earn PLUs at the Zoo with Teacher workshops | Special Offers for Educators | Tours |
| Sponsor an Animal | Group Lunches Order Form (PDF) | Classroom Programs |
| Join the Teacher Advisory Council | Auditorium Programs | |
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NightCrawler Overnights | |
| ZooMobile Outreach |
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| Download the 2009 Zoo Atlanta Education Poster (PDF) | |
| External Web Partners and Resources | |
| Georgia Science Teachers Association | |
| Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia |
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| EEinGeorgia | |
| No Child Left Inside | |
Top 10 Tips to Justify your Trip
- Enhance the curriculum - school and group programs meet academic standards across all disciplines
- Something for everyone - we have programming designed for elementary, middle and high school, as well as new offerings for the college level
- Use our resources! - reduce the “novelty effect” of a visit by using our pre and post activity packets
- Do your homework - include research on how learning in community-based surroundings serves to improve student achievement, this excerpt can further support your case
- Tout the benefits - find out what is important to your principal to determine the program that best meets your needs and explain how it applies to the AYP
- Plan ahead - seek approval for next year’s field trips at the end of the school year to utilize remaining funds
- Invite administrators - a trip to the Zoo could be a fun day for them and you can reinforce the merits of the learning experience first-hand
- Don’t impact the budget - apply for grants, review our educator offers or hold class fundraisers to supplement field trip costs
- Come on the weekend - more busses are available and parents can help drive to reduce transportation costs
- Go beyond a Field Trip! - attend a Tour, Classroom, Auditorium or NightCrawler program to provide a more intimate hands-on experience
