others to do the same, and leave with small manageable actions that they can do to contribute to conserving species in the wild.” Zoo sessions also give students a wealth of other learning opportunities – from encouraging oral language and writing skills to using design principles from the Technology curriculum when investigating our worldclass animal habitats.
At Hamilton Zoo, our on-site educators work alongside teachers adapting New Zealand curriculum programmes to meet the learning needs of their students.
Image courtesy of Auckland Zoo
The diverse range of themed programmes offered by the Zoo’s Conservation Learning team is testament to this passion and commitment. Programmes include everything from pre-school Tamariki Time (story-time through song, dance, and play) to primary and secondary programmes especially adapted to year level and New Zealand curriculum needs, and specialised sessions for Tertiary groups. “Our Zoo is a stunning 16+ha outdoor ‘classroom’. It’s an exciting place for curious young minds and gives students incredible opportunities to be in nature and connect with, learn about and be inspired by wildlife species from throughout Aotearoa and around the world,” says Conservation Learning duty operations manager, Lizzy Lockhart. “For some tamariki, it can offer a chance to connect with nature in a way that they
have never done before and open up a whole new exciting world of learning for them.” Conservation Learning sessions happen in the Zoo’s dynamic classroom spaces as well as out in the Zoo and are linked to the New Zealand Science curriculum with a particular focus on the Living World and Nature of Science strands. “Running through all our sessions are key Zoo values; that as we are all connected to nature, we all have a responsibility and role to play as kaitiaki of our precious wildlife and wild places, and that we are conservation optimists who can stand together for good! “Whether your students are focused on endemic taonga here in Aotearoa, or on exotic species deep in South East Asia or Africa, students can learn about these threatened wildlife and the range of conservation issues they face. They can interact with Zoo staff who are passionate about making a difference and inspiring
WHERE LEARNING COMES NATURALLY BOOK AN EDUCATION VISIT
Education sessions are tailored to your students needs and offer an experience they will always remember.
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Our education programme offers a range of resources online that can be used in conjunction with a trip to the Zoo or standalone. Teachers have used a visit to the zoo to cover various learning areas from the curriculum – Social Science, Science, Technology, Engligh, The Arts and Mathematics and Statistics. Students from new entrant right through to Year 13 visit regularly and have the opportunity to learn through a variety of authentic contexts, e.g. trade of endangered species (flora and fauna), traditional medicines and plant use, the impact of people’s actions on animals (through looking at threatened, endangered, and extinct species), the role of Zoos through history (and in the future), conservation and sustainability (management of natural resources such as the Hamilton Zoo wetlands and the Lake Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park development).
When school groups visit Hamilton Zoo, the experience has a positive impact on their participation, engagement and achievement in their schoolbased learning. Students have opportunities to inquire, solve problems and apply skills in practical situations. Contexts used are real and students can interact with industry professionals on real issues. By the very nature of our 25ha site, a visit to Hamilton Zoo allows for greater physical exploration. Comments by teachers and the enthusiasm and engagement of students show that this aspect of the visit is especially appreciated. Here at Hamilton Zoo we work to conserve wildlife and provide a recreational resource for local residents and visitors. Our educators provide inspiring learning experiences that give students opportunities to connect with local and exotic flora and fauna and empower them to take action to live in better balance with the natural world. We strive to educate, motivate and inspire students to be connected, confident, contributing, lifelong learners by providing learning opportunities to foster reflective thought and action and reinforce a greater sense of responsibility for their own learning. Check out our online information sheets under the education section of our website which will give you all the information for planning and visiting the zoo. Call our education team so we can discuss how to make the most out of your students time with us.
Bring your students on a journey of discovery to Hamilton Zoo. STARRY SLEEPOVER
Star-gaze and sleepover at the Hamilton Observatory, then enjoy breakfast and explore the zoo the next day.
EOTC
FOR DETAILS OR TO BOOK VISIT: hamiltonzoo.co.nz/education zoo.education@hcc.govt.nz | 07 838 6887
Term 3, 2021 | schoolnews.co.nz