Waldron Elementary 4th Grade - Welcomes you to the BIG Zoo Lesson! Waldron Elementary 4 th Grade - Welcomes you to the BIG Zoo Lesson!

In the BIG Zoo Lesson model, teachers and students use the Potter Park Zoo as their classroom for a week.

The BIG Zoo Lesson is a study trip that spans five consecutive days at Potter Park Zoo Teachers and students immerse themselves in learning for a full week of in-depth study Students will work with experts on site Students will be provided with teacher-led lessons and reinforced with independent observation and research time

Essential Components of the BIG Zoo Lesson Correlation with Michigan Standards for Effective Teaching and Learning Lessons are teacher-led and students-centered Extended time for observation and research Extensive use of community resources Parents are active participants

The traditional field trip changes to an all-day, all-week interdisciplinary study trip. This experience includes… Behind the scenes tours, Presentations by community experts, And groups of students working cooperatively on research.

Students, Teachers, and Parents use Potter Park Zoo as their Classroom The BIG Zoo Lesson brings the classroom into the community This community uses the most available authentic setting for the children’s learning

As part of the BIG Zoo Lesson, students will… Talk with wildlife experts, Observe animal behaviors, And research animals from all over the world.

As part of the BIG Zoo Lesson, teachers will… Create a hands-on learning environment for students, Provide a full week of lessons with docents and zookeepers, Conduct daily animal observations, And assist in cooperative research.

Parents are actively involved. Involved in learning activities Involved in student service projects

Success of Students Participating in the BIG Zoo Lesson Students show excitement and knowledge about animals Students are able to develop research papers Students learn about endangered species(SSP) Species Survival Plan Students create poetry pertaining to their research animal Students are engaged in art projects Students are involved in peer teaching about the zoo