Educator Workshops
Location: at the Zoo
Cost: $65 per person (does not include license renewal fee)
Blank Park Zoo invites educators to participate in our unique, fun-filled, and informative workshops.
Each workshop is worth one hour of recertification credit through Heartland AEA. Information regarding credit registration will be provided prior to each workshop. All workshop activities are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and the Iowa Core for science, with connections to literacy, math, and social studies.
By attending one or more of these workshops, teachers will be eligible to schedule a free classroom animal program at the zoo, or a discounted program in their classrooms. A free program may also be done via Zoom or other electronic means.
Registration and prepayment are required.
Click here to register.
Upcoming Educator Workshops
- November 14 & 15: Wild Genes
- January 16 & 17: Conservation: People and Animals
- February 20 & 21: Biomimicry and Inspiration
- March 27 & 28: Zoo Structure and Design
*Workshops are held at Blank Park Zoo (7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50315).
Workshop Times
Workshops during the academic year are on Friday evenings and Saturdays. Summer workshops are held over two consecutive full days. Please ensure you are available for both days.
License Renewal Credit
The cost of license renewal credit will be in addition to the above fee. Information regarding credit registration will be provided (emailed) prior to each workshop
Registration & Cancellations
All sales are final. If you are unable to attend a class, you can transfer to an open workshop. No refunds will be offered unless workshops are canceled by the Zoo.
If you have any questions regarding teacher workshops contact Kathy McKee at 515-974-2557 or at kamckee@blankparkzoo.org .
Educators will learn WHY (modern) ZOOS MATTER, how Blank Park Zoo helps to make a big impact in conservation right here in Iowa, as well as around the world. Participants will also learn about the structure of Blank Park Zoo, its history, present features, and future plans, as well as opportunities to use technology to connect classrooms and the zoo. Behind the scenes experiences in several areas of the zoo will allow participants to gain a deeper understanding about what it takes to provide for the needs of animals in human-care and how to impact visitors through guest experiences. Activities will include designing a zoo exhibit that demonstrates knowledge of species habitats, adaptations, and requirements, and utilizes engineering practices found in the Framework for K-12 Science Education. All experiences are aligned to the Framework, the Iowa Core and NGSS.
Participants will explore the physical properties of water, various water habitats, and water related conservation concerns. Activities will include water testing, comparisons of various water habitats and the organisms that depend on them, examination of current water issues and concerns, and development of lessons to be utilized in the classroom.
Participants explore genetic diversity in plants and animals, learn about the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Program, and meet some families of animals here at the zoo. While genetics content is generally presented in middle and high school, we will be showing how concepts at the elementary level articulate to upper grades and will be doing investigations for all levels.
This course will explore plants and the animals that pollinate them. Participants will engage in explorations about bees, butterflies and other animal pollinators and their importance in our lives; interrelationships in ecosystems; agricultural engineering; and ways to help protect our pollinator species.
This course will explore patterns in nature using science, mathematics, art, and literature. Participants will gain knowledge about camouflage, biomimicry, aposematism, fractals, Fibonacci, and sound and movement patterns in plant and animal populations.
This course will engage participants in science investigations focused on nature and conservation and introduce them to the concept of Nature Play, where they will take away ideas for nature activities, discover the developmental value of playing outside and how such opportunities help children build skills needed for STEM learning, and learn ways to incorporate nature play opportunities indoors. Art, language arts, math, and social studies will be integrated throughout.
Evolution is the foundation for modern biological understanding and has a prominent place in Iowa’s Core for science and the Next Generation Science Standards. In this course, educators will examine major evolutionary concepts, misconceptions about evolution, and how to address obstacles to teaching evolution.
Participants will experience a module created by the Wildlife Conservation Society (Habitat Ecology Learning Program), as well as materials from NSTA and the Council for Environmental Education. These resources utilize art, math, geography and live science to explore ecology. The lessons are designed to motivate students, encourage critical thinking, and make learning fun. This course will specifically focus on animal adaptations and different habitats, with visits from live animals from various ecosystems! Lessons are flexible, allowing teachers to adjust for their students’ abilities; and relate to all age groups in several subject areas. All lessons are connected to the Framework for K-12 Science Education, the Iowa Core Curriculum for science, math and literacy and NGSS.
Ecosystems are comprised of living and non-living factors linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows, including predator/prey relationships; survival mechanisms; and water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles. In this workshop, participants will learn about interactions in ecosystems and how to build and maintain an ecosystem using common, easily obtained materials. Workshop strategies will include a phenomena and driving question and will highlight the practices, cross cutting concepts, and engineering principles in the Next Generation Science Standards. Concepts presented in this workshop best fit grade levels 5-12.
Participants will explore the interactions between humans and animals in ecosystems, learn about local and global conservation efforts of Blank Park Zoo, and how to connect with researchers and conservationists committed to wildlife conservation around the world.
Educators will participate in learning activities designed by a collaborative of seven national organizations including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife service, the National Parks Service, and U.S. Forest Service.
The activities for this workshop use a case study approach to focus on climate change and its impact on wildlife and public lands. All activities are aligned with the Framework for K-12 Science Education. Strong connections to the Iowa Core and Next Generation Science Standards are emphasized.
Biomimicry is a growing field of scientific inquiry and technological application to the real world. It can inspire students’ interest in science, the natural world, and the built environment while teaching skills in observation, research, and critical thinking. Participants will engage in activities introducing biologically inspired technology, why it is important (and fascinating!), and provide them with opportunities to research their own solutions to human or environmental challenges. This workshop is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, particularly those regarding engineering solutions.
Scientists and artists have great curiosity about the world around them, and are careful observers of natural phenomena. We'll look at various art forms and their connections to science, and learn a variety of ways through which to understand the natural world.
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