Woodland Park Zoo Up CLOSE

Up CLOSE programs always include a visit from a live animal to your classroom. To help you prepare your students for the classroom visit, you may choose to receive a free copy of the teacher packet appropriate to your program (Raptors, Reptiles & Amphibians, or Amazing Arthropods).

Up CLOSE programs are approximately 45-55 minutes in length (shortened to match the attention span of very young audiences). Programs outside the regular days/dates or for evening or weekend events are available on a very limited basis. 

Raptor programs               

(Formerly called SOAR programs.)
Maximum 80 students per program (we strongly recommend no more than 60 for preschool and Kindergarten groups)

Owls: Who Are They? (Grades PreK-5 and mixed-age groups)

Silent hunters of the night, owls loom large in the human imagination. But the reality of owls and their adaptations for nocturnal life are even more amazing! This program is unforgettable for its intended age group, but also easily adapted for mixed ages and general audiences. Supports new science standards K-1 SYSA, LS1B and LS1D; 2-3 SYSC and SYSE; 4-5 LS1B, and LS1C.

Raptor Ecology (Grades 4^-12)

This program focuses on food webs, ecology, and the varied and important roles raptors play in ecological systems. Also discussed are threats to raptors, and how raptors are often key indicators of environmental health. Supports new science standards 4-5 LS2C through F; 6-8 LS2B, LS2D and LS2E.

Owl and Raptor Discovery Kits (Grades PreK-12)

Along with your classroom program, you may choose to rent either an Owl or Raptor Discovery Kit. Each kit contains natural items such as feathers, wings, skulls, or feet, as well as comparative displays, books, multimedia items, and more. The rental period is two weeks, and begins or ends on your program date. Your program presenter will drop off or pick up the kit, and you will be responsible for picking up the kit from, or returning it to the Zoo’s Education Center. Kits are very limited in number, so if you are interested in renting one, please make your program reservation as far in advance as possible. Rental fee: $10.

Arthropod programs         

Maximum 60 students per program

What Makes a “Bug?” (Grades PreK-1⁾

Every young child knows the word “bug,” but what sorts of animals might we include in that category? This program explores the world of arthropods – insects, spiders, millipedes, and more -- examining the characteristics that all species in the phylum share. Supports new science standards K-1 SYSA, LS1B, LS1D, and LS3C.

This Is Their Life: Arthropods (Grades 2-3)

Arthropods lead very different lives than our own, and in many cases, very different lives from one another. This program compares and contrasts the fascinating life cycles of different arthropod species. Supports new science standards 2-3 SYSE, and LS1B.

Reptile programs            

Maximum 60 students per program

What Makes a Reptile? (Grades PreK-1⁾

Reptiles hold great fascination for people of all ages. This program uses that fascination to explore what all reptiles have in common, and what characteristics are used to divide them into their separate orders. Supports new science standards K-1 SYSA, LS1B, LS1D, and LS3C.

This Is Their Life: Reptiles (Grades 2-3)

Eating plants or eating animals, laying eggs or not laying eggs, growing up fast or growing up slowly, reptiles run the gamut of different ways of life. Engage your students’ interest in life cycles by introducing them to the astounding world of reptiles! Supports new science standards 2-3 SYSE, and LS1B.

Other Helpful Links

• Wild Wise Outreach Programs
• Visits To The Zoo 
• Teacher Resources