Teacher Resources

Make the most of your school visit!

Self-Guided Tours

Get your students involved in learning while at the Zoo with these standards-based activities. Download and print as many copies as you need.

More self-guided tours available. Learn More>

How to make your field trip easy!

Remember to contact the Education Department at least 2 weeks prior to your visit to make your group reservation. New! Schools can Register Online for Admission and Education Programs.

For a complete listing and description of all school opportunities see the 2009-2010 Schools Calendar (PDF).

Meet Academic Standards

Zoo field trips take your students beyond the boundaries of the classroom walls while meeting academic standards. Check out our New! School Inquiry Wild Pack, Animal Demonstrations, Guided Tours and/or self-guided activities above for more information.

Free Planning Visit

Teachers are invited to schedule a free pre-visit to the Zoo in preparation for your school's visit. Our knowledgeable Educators look forward to helping you plan an easy, fun and educational field trip to the Zoo. Simply call to schedule your pre-visit.

Questions? email registrars@cincinnatizoo.org or to register over the phone contact us at (513) 559-7767

Home School Groups

New! If you are a member of a home school group the Zoo has a variety of different education opportunities just for you.

To find out more contact the Education Department at 513-559-7767 option 4 and ask about the Home School Zoo Education Series.

Junior Plant Scientist

Teaching modules to illustrate the science used in conservation.

SEED SURVIVOR Module. Learn how plants use their seeds to survive seasonal changes in their environment, discover how human activities can affect earth’s ecosystems, and outline a scientific investigation. Lab guide for 4th-8th grade.
IN VITRO COLLECTING KIT Advanced JPS Module. Learn how scientists use tissue culture to collect endangered plants and how they control the contaminants that could destroy their tissues. A hands-on kit with materials and a lab guide for 7th-12th grade.
EXPLORER: PLANT EXPLORATION AND THE HERBARIUM Module. Learn about plant diversity with hands-on activities focused on plant exploration, plant discovery, plant identification, and preparing herbarium specimens. Kit with materials for 4th-8th grade.

For more information or to order modules, please call (513) 569-8215 or email testtubeplants@cincinnatizoo.org

A.D.O.P.T.

Schools and/or classrooms can A.D.O.P.T. animals and plants and help us to provide the best possible care for the animals entrusted to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Learn More >

Lunch at the Zoo

Don't feed the animals...but DO feed your class "ZOOper Dooper Lunches"

Convenient and inexpensive lunches are available for your hungry classes. Sodexho food services, which operate the Zoo restaurants, will deliver lunches to the Safari Camp at the time you request. You may choose between sandwiches or pizzas for your class. This special is available for groups who order a minimum of 20 lunches at least 7 days before their visit.

Order lunches by calling (513) 559-7767 or by use this order form (PDF) .

ZOOvenirs

For most people, a trip to the Zoo is not complete without a visit to the shops. We offer ZOOvenirs, pre made souvenir bags. These bags are priced $8.00, $15.00, and $20.00 and contain items that students will enjoy.

Order these bags at least two weeks before your visit by calling (513) 559-7763

More Teacher Opportunities

Looking for continuing education and travel opportunities? Want to know more about current environmental education resources? Learn More >