Living, Learning Lab

What is The Living Learning Lab?

Living, Learning Lab offers interactive, hands-on learning experiences that are curriculum centered to third-grade classrooms. A new spin on formal education, classes come to the Zoo to participate in a variety of themed activities focused on Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards including math, science, and language arts. The program runs 1-5 days and is taught in our classroom that features state of the art technology including an interactive white board, microscopes, and testing system, by the education staff at the Children’s Zoo.

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Hands-On

The program offers hands-on experiences for students to help connect concepts to real world applications.

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Curriculum Centered

The Living, Learning Lab was built and designed for 3rd grade students. Each lesson connects to Common Core State and New Generation Scientific Standards.

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S.T.E.M. Based Learning

Lessons focus on STEM learning; using hands on activities, and technology to help students get excited about science.

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Who & When

  • Who is this offered to: 3rd grade classrooms.
  • When: The Program runs during the school year from December to February. Classes can come to the zoo for up to 3 school days!
  • Cost: Free! Classes are offered at no charge* to schools!

* Bussing fees are NOT included.

How it Works

  • Each of our Living, Learning Lab programs are taught by our education staff and runs about 4-5 hrs. with lunch (student provided).
  • During each lesson, we utilize both the Zoo grounds and the Zoo classroom.
  • Teachers may select between 1 and 3 lessons (listed below) for their classes to attend.
  • All classes must attend the Animal Journaling module as a prerequisite to the other Living, Learning Lab lessons.
  • Testing: Students are given a Pre/Post test during the Living, Learning Lab lessons to gauge student learning and make improvements to the program. We utilize the Plickers Testing System to provide live feedback before and after each lesson. During the 2024-25 sessions there was a +16% average student score increase across all lessons!

Lesson Options

Animal Journaling*

In This Module Students will:

  • Tour and Memory Map by conducting a scavenger hunt and zoo tour.
  • Make and record animal observations.
  • Learning to distinguish between
    observations and inferences.
  • Study animal behavior and generate scientific questions based on evidence.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

NGSS Scientific & Engineering Practices

  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Constructing explanations and designing solutions.

NGSS Crosscutting Concepts

  • Patterns
  • Structure & Function

* This is a required lesson and works as a prerequisite for the other two lessons.

Animal Adaptations

In This Module Students will:

  • Identify and classify animal adaptations.
  • Develop inferences based on observations.
  • Investigate animal adaptations using hands on models.
  • Categorize animal groups.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

NGSS Scientific & Engineering Practices

  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Analyzing and interpreting data.
  • Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.

NGSS Crosscutting Concepts

  • Structure & Function

Worms, Germs, and YOU

In This Module Students will:

  • Generate questions and interview a zookeeper.
  • Learn about animal medicine and how the zoo keeps our animal’s healthy year round.
  • Investigate pathogens using microscopes.
  • Propose solutions to problems using scientific evidence.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

NGSS Scientific & Engineering Practices

  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Analyzing and interpreting data.

NGSS Crosscutting Concepts

  • Patterns
  • Cause and Effect

How to Sign Up

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Step 1

Begin registration by filling out the Request Form

OR

Call to begin the registration process at (989)759-1408.

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Step 2

A zoo staff member will be in contact with you soon after to confirm dates/times and provide you with any extra paperwork.

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Step 3

We also understand that Michigan weather is unpredictable. We are prepared to reschedule in the case of snow days or other inclement weather during the last two weeks of February.

We Hope To See You There!

For more information on The Living, Learning Lab, other educational programs, or general comments/concerns regarding programming contact our Conservation & Education Manager:

Sarah A. Shuler (she/her)
sshuler@saginawzoo.com
(989)759-1408 ext. 110

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