In-School Program Information

Students will gain an understanding of bear species native to Canada. They will examine the question, “How do humans impact bears?” by exploring bear adaptations, their natural habitats and behaviours, and their diets. Throughout the day they will reflect on the story of the bears under human care here at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo by learning about bear safety and how they can help to protect bears so that they can live in their natural environments.

Grades: Kindergarten to grade 3
Length: 60 minutes
Availability: Mondays, December to February
Capacity: Up to 27 students
Cost: $525 (2 programs) $600 (3 programs)

Students will act as conservation scientists rescuing a penguin as they move through various stations learning about adaptations, habitats, prey and predators, and family care. As students learn about penguins they will be guided to reflect on the question, “How does the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo make a home for penguins?” to determine why zoos are important and how they can benefit our animals.

Grades: Kindergarten to grade 3
Length: 60 minutes
Availability: Mondays, December to February
Capacity: Up to 27 students
Cost: $525 (2 programs) $600 (3 programs)

Inspired by the novel “The One and Only Ivan” by K.A. Applegate, this program compares the life of Ivan from the story to our gorilla troop here at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. We will be discussing themes of the book; therefore it is best if students have finished the book or movie prior to arriving for the program. We will guide students through the process of analyzing the question, “What is the role of modern accredited zoos?” through initial brainstorming, thoughtful discussion, and observation of our gorilla troop and habitat.

Students should be familiar with the story of Ivan. Ideally classes have competed the novel, the short story book, or have watched the film. This program contains spoilers.

Grades: Grade 4 to 6
Length: 60 minutes
Availability: Mondays, December to February
Capacity: Up to 32 students
Cost: $525 (2 programs) $600 (3 programs)

From the tiniest puddle to the highest mountain range, our world is full of ecosystems in which plants and animals interact and survive together. In this fascinating program students will explore the impact of organisms becoming endangered or going extinct. Investigating how the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo contributes to wildlife conservation, students will work towards answering the question, “How might we reduce our impact on natural habitats so that we can maintain healthy ecosystems?”

Grade: 7
Length: 3 hours
Availability: Mondays, December to February
Capacity: Up to 37 students
Cost: $365 (1 program) $615 (2 programs)

Students will be investigating three different levels of biodiversity: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. As students explore the nature of reproduction, we’ll learn about the mating behaviours of some of our resident animals and examine how animals preserve biodiversity within their species. Students will learn how researchers apply this knowledge to the Species Survival Plan initiative as well as discover the science behind other captive breeding programs. Throughout the day students will reflect on the question “How might we communicate the importance of biodiversity and what actions can we take to support it?”

Grade: 9
Length: 3 hours
Availability: Mondays, December to February
Capacity: Up to 37 students
Cost: $365 (1 program) $615 (2 programs)

Conservation is the primary focus, drawing on important concepts such as biological and genetic diversity to better understand this complicated process. While observing some of our animals, students will discuss key terms and explore population management strategies. The students will examine the many challenges we face in conservation work by reflecting on the question “What role can society play in maintaining wildlife populations?” and apply what they have learned in class to finding solutions.

Grade: 12
Length: 3 hours
Availability: Mondays, December to February
Capacity: Up to 37 students
Cost: $365 (1 program)