Zoo Project

Middle-school students expressed a strong interest in learning about animals and endangered species. At the same time, a local zoo's education department wanted to encourage community participation in its drive for federal accreditation. Based on these mutual needs, the school partnered with the zoo.

Initially, teachers envisioned the project as an interdisciplinary learner's web or map to educate students about animals and endangered species. Zoo personnel suggested revising the content of the interdisciplinary map to include zoo-related topics such as animal acquisition, exhibit design, and the social issues surrounding endangered species. Zoo personnel agreed to provide teacher workshops and student instruction. The zoo would become a "learning lab" for 170 5th graders.

Building on the enthusiasm, community businesses were recruited to assist the students in their efforts to help the zoo gain accreditation: The local newspaper's editor taught the students how to write editorials. The local cable company taped students interviewing zoo personnel, and a radio station assisted students in creating an ad and then broadcasted radio advertisements for the zoo.

In the spring, the students organized and implemented a citywide accreditation awareness campaign culminating in Zoo Day, a public-awareness fair held at the zoo. There, students shared their knowledge with more than 1,200 visitors. At learning stations scattered across the grounds, visitors were reading children's books on endangered species, matching animals with their habitats, and listening as students explained the processes involved in everything from acquiring animals to designing exhibits.

At the completion of the first year, each child received a certificate of participation during a picnic held at the zoo. Students contributed to their city with the accreditation kickoff, enjoyed learning and connecting with the people of their city, and developed an ownership of and investment in the future of the zoo.

Adapted from "Community Lessons: Integrating Service-Learning Into K-12 Curriculum," 2001, Massachusetts Department of Education, Massachusetts Service Alliance, and Learn and Serve America. Used with permission of Massachusetts Department of Education, www.doe.mass.edu/csl, (781) 338-3000.