Teacher Resources

Teacher Resources

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For professional educators, teachers and pre-service teachers
Conservation Educator Academy – Conservation for a Sustainable World

Join this four-day professional development program at the Indianapolis Zoo, organized by the Zoo and Ball State University, to learn how to integrate science practices and inquiry-based activities about conservation into your lesson plans. Observe science practices about global and local conservation firsthand and hear from experts in areas of science, conservation, animal care and education. You also will also be able to develop science inquiry-based lessons and hands-on STEM activities that you can take with you to use with your students! 

Date: June 24-27
Time: 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $70 per person
Capacity: 30 

Sign Up Now!
For professional educators, teachers and pre-service teachers
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Online Resources for Teachers and Students
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Indianapolis Prize Conservation Hero Profiles

The Indianapolis Prize recognizes the world’s most successful animal conservationists. Conservation Hero Profiles were created to assist educators to connect students to the men and women who are saving wildlife and improving our planet for future generations. Written for a third- to fifth-grade audience, these profiles can be used as a reading assignment, an inspiration for writing or a launching point for further research.

Download Conservation Hero Profiles

Indianapolis Prize Videos

Whether it’s trekking through the heart of a rainforest or diving into the depths of an ocean, these 3 to 7 minute videos allow students to see and hear about Indianapolis Prize Winners and Finalists and their inspiring work. These videos can be used to encourage deeper study in the areas of wildlife conservation and science.

2023 Indianapolis Prize Winners and Finalists

Wild Learning Guides

These engaging and educational programs offer students the chance to delve deeper on their Zoo visits. With two investigation options available, kids can look at zoo exhibit design or immerse themselves in animal observations and ethograms. Both programs include activities before, during and after your Field Trip. Learn more about these topics:

Ethograms and Animal Behavior –  Zoo keepers learn a lot from observing the animals they work with each day. Ethograms are used to record animal behavior. Learn how zoo keepers observe animals and complete your own ethogram.

Zoo Exhibit Design –  At a zoo or aquarium, it is the job of a designer to help create the habitat for an animal. In order to build a habitat for an animal in a zoo setting a designer must understand the needs of the animal, keepers and guests. Learn more about the design process and create your own exhibit design.

School Program Guide

Are you planning a visit to the zoo and want to help your students understand what their field trip may be like? We've created an online resource to help students and teachers explore the Zoo experience before their visit.

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