Posts Tagged ‘education programs’

Dec
05

December: Story Safari at the Houston Zoo!

Posted by in Animal Fun Facts,Classes/Programs,Featured,Fun on grounds,Public Programs

December is here and you know what that means? It’s time to bundle up with a new story at Story Safari in the Houston Zoo’s Children’s Zoo. Join us every day at 10:30AM and 11:00AM at the Butterfly Stage to listen to this month’s book: “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed” by Mo Willems.   

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems

I know when you think of cold weather the last thing on your mind is naked mole rats. Some of you may even ask yourself “What in the world is a naked mole rat?” That’s all okay because for this story “You only need to know three things: 1. They are a little bit rat. 2. They are a little bit mole. 3. They are all naked. All except Wilbur…” Want to find out why Wilbur likes clothes so much? Well join us for Story Safari to find out! (hey, maybe he’s cold!)

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Nov
25

What Does an Education Specialist Do? Part III

Posted by in Classes/Programs,Education Office

Ever wonder what an Education Specialist at the Houston Zoo does on a daily basis? You may remember being introduced to all the specialists in earlier posts and we all gave you our own description of what we do around here. Well, in this series I’m going to take you through a day (or three) in the life of an Education Specialist!

So, you now have an idea of the types of classes we teach as Education Specialists. We are not always in the classroom or going to schools. Sometimes we use nature as our classroom!

 

Marine Seining

One of the FREE (yes, I said free!)  programs we offer is a field research trip to Texas City Prairie Preserve. During the school year 3 specialists go to the preserve and lead activities such as marine seining, water quality testing, and insect sweeping with different age groups. During marine seining, the kids go out in the water with a net and try to catch whatever they can. This is usually their favorite activity because they like to get in the water. They catch all kinds of aquatic life such as crabs, different kinds of fish, and tons of shrimp!

 

Testing for salinity

 

My favorite activity to teach at Texas City is water quality testing. I take my group down to the gazebo and we talk about why water quality is important to animals and us too! We do pH and dissolved oxygen tests. We also test for salinity, turbidity, and take the temperature. All important tests when collecting water quality data.

 

 

 

We like to wrap up the day by teaching the group the Attwater’s prairie chicken dance. The male prairie chicken does a mating dance to attract a female. The kids think this is hilarious but it is actually a really important piece of the prairie chicken’s survival.

So, now you know what an Education Specialist at the Houston Zoo actually does. It is a very exciting and rewarding occupation. I feel very fortunate to be able to share the knowledge and experience I have with kids all over! I hope you enjoyed reading this blog series. Stay tuned to see what happens next in the life of an Education Specialist!

 

 

 

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Nov
18

What Does an Education Specialist Do? Part II

Posted by in Classes/Programs,Education Office,Zoomobile

Ever wonder what an Education Specialist at the Houston Zoo does on a daily basis? You may remember being introduced to all the specialists in earlier posts and we all gave you our own description of what we do around here. Well, in this series I’m going to take you through a day (or three) in the life of an Education Specialist!

Amy Barnhill on a Zoomobile with an American Alligator

 

In the last blog I was teaching an Adventure Class. Today I am going on a Zoomobile! What is a Zoomobile you might ask? Well, it is a class (similar to an Adventure Class) but instead of the participants coming to the Zoo, the Zoo comes to them! We bring biofacts and live animals to the interactive learning experience. We have done Zoomobiles for all different ages, from Pre-K groups to seniors. Everybody loves to learn about animals, no matter what the age!

 

Sometimes the table isn't big enough for all the Biofacts!

Since I am traveling to a school for the class, I need to pack ahead of time. I strategically place my biofacts in a plastic bin trying to fit everything I need in a small space. Once I ‘m packed it’s time to pick up the animals from the Children’s Zoo. I load up the animals in the Zoomobile and head out. After arriving at the school I am escorted to my classroom where I set up my table. The kids come in and it’s show time!

 

 

Sometimes a Zoomobile can take you away from the Zoo for hours. I have had plenty where I come back, return the animals to the Children’s Zoo, walk back to the Brown Education Center, unpack my biofacts, and it is time to go home!  It is always an adventure whether you are teaching at the Zoo or traveling to a school.

Stayed tuned next week to see what else an Education Specialist does other than teach classes…

 

 

 

 

 

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Nov
11

What Does an Education Specialist Do?

Posted by in Classes/Programs

Ever wonder what an Education Specialist at the Houston Zoo does on a daily basis? You may remember being introduced to all the specialists in earlier posts and we all gave you our own description of what we do around here. Well, in this series I’m going to take you through a day (or three) in the life of an Education Specialist!

North American Porcupine

So, on this particular day I am scheduled for an Adventure Class. This is my favorite class to teach because I can bring all the “cool” biofacts.  Not that they all aren’t cool, but I can bring the really big, impressive mounts and skulls. This particular Adventure Class’s topic is Survival Gear. We are talking about animal adaptations! AND not only can I bring the “cool” biofacts, but I also am bringing 3 live Education program animals!

Once the students arrive, it’s go time! I have 45 minutes to make them all experts on adaptation. The kids are always excited to see and talk about animals, which is what make my job so wonderful!
 
After it all said and done I clean up my classroom, take the animals back to the Children’s Zoo, and go back to the “behind the scenes” portion of my job. This could include anything from meetings to writing camp curriculum.
 
Stayed tuned next week to find out what it is like to go on a Zoomobile with an Education Specialist…
 
 

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Sep
06

Target Title I Scholarship Now Available!

Posted by in Classes/Programs

Are you a Title I school in the Houston area? Are you looking for a fun and unique learning experience for your students? Well, look no further!  Thanks to a generous donation from Target, the Houston Zoo is offering free on grounds education classes!

The Target Title I Scholarship is available for any Title I school in the Houston area. The Scholarship includes a class in the Houston Zoo’s Brown Education Center, admission to the Zoo for the participating students, and if needed transportation.

Each education class provides a fun, interactive learning experience that includes biofacts such as animal skins, skulls, and mounts. Also, the students will get a chance to meet an Education Animal Ambassador!

So, don’t wait! Get your application in soon, scholarship funds go fast!

 

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Jul
31

Leading and Loving Tours

Posted by in Classes/Programs,Featured

The staff got to feed meerkats on our tour training; on Sunday I led a group on the same tour!

I got to lead my first tours this week.  They’re proving to be more than enjoyable for the guests; they are fun for me, too!

Our tours now include a 30 minute front of scenes tour before we head behind the scenes.  This part is my responsibility.  The cool part of this (for me, at least) is that our tours are small groups.  With a maximum number of 6 for most tours, this allows for a more personal experience.  It can be a bit more conversation and a bit less lesson than some of our other classes.  It’s especially fun when people have a lot of questions, since this means I can tailor their tour based on their interests.

As part of our training, the Education Staff got to experience all the exciting parts of a tour as one of our guests would.  That way, we would know what to expect.  It also means that the temptation to participate is less.  My job once we’re behind the scenes is to play escort.  I shut doors, make sure that everyone knows and follows the rules, and anything else the keeper needs from me.  I don’t get to do the fun stuff, but that’s okay.  I’ve done it once before.

On Sunday, I led a Meerkat tour (and feeding!) for a group of six.  On Thursday it was Rhinos behind the scenes for two.  (It was a surprise birthday present for the woman on the tour; she was so excited!)  Everyone was pleased and seemed to have a great time.  I can’t wait to see where I’m headed next!

Do YOU want to experience one of our tours?  You can find out more about them at our website: www.houstonzoo.org/tours.  We’ve also got a handy calendar, so you can see which amazing animal areas are offered on each day of the week!

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Jul
12

Melissa Pohutsky’s Collegiate Conservation Program Memories

Posted by in Collegiate Conservation Program

The Collegiate Conservation Program at the Houston Zoo is an 8 week long conservation-education internship generously sponsored by ExxonMobil. We first introduced  some of our interns on the Zoo’s Conservation blog.

My name is Melissa Pohutsky and I am an Environmental  Studies major at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Moving to Colorado was quite a change after living in Katy, TX my whole life! When I came home for the summer I was excited to discover the Collegiate Conservation Program at the Houston Zoo. Throughout the internship, I was lucky enough to have tons of hands on field experience in various ecosystems and projects.

My favorite activity from this internship would definitely be participating in the Marsh Mania event. We had been working with the Galveston Bay Foundation all week in preparation for the event. For Marsh Mania we planted native marsh plants to help prevent erosion and further help the ecosystem. It was so much fun to go out in the water with everyone and help a good cause! this event is open to the public so don’t hesitate to get involved!

ATV ride through Armand Bayou Nature Center (Melissa is third from the left)

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Jul
11

More words from the rest of the Collegiate Conservation Program Interns

Posted by in Collegiate Conservation Program

The Collegiate Conservation Program at the Houston Zoo is an 8 week long conservation-education internship generously sponsored by ExxonMobil. We first introduced  some of our interns on the Zoo’s Conservation blog. Now you’ll meet the rest!

First up…

mussel survey in the Big Thicket

My name is Kelsey Droll and I am one year away from finishing my Marine Biology degree at Texas A&M University at Galveston. I enjoy studying ecology and have a growing passion for conservation. the Collegiate Conservation Program at the Houston Zoo has been a great experience and has exceeded my expectations as an internship. I now understand the different components of conservation and appreciate the work that goes into it.

My favorite experience this summer was the week of the Big Thicket. The Big Thicket National Preserve is a unique area containing 10 different ecosystems. During our visit we restored a walking trail, built a bridge, cut down invasive tree species, and conducted mussel surveys. This week felt the most accomplishing and was when I became friends with the other interns. I consider the experience I gained this summer priceless! I am thankful to the Houston Zoo and ExxonMobil for giving me this opportunity and I am looking forward to seeing how this program progresses in the future.

 

 

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Jun
20

“What’s the word for what a predator eats?” “DINNER!”

Posted by in Camp,Classes/Programs

…this is just one of many memorable quotes from our Camp Zoofari kids.

This happened when a student in a 6-7 year old camp was patiently waiting during an animal handling class. The instructor showed the class a chinchilla; a rodent from South America. When the teacher discussed that this animal would hide from predators, she asked “what would be another word for what a predator eats?” (she was hoping to hear the word “prey”) and the child promptly yelled out “DINNER!”. Well…we couldn’t disagree. When the teacher prompted another response, someone yelled out “LUNCH!”. We really couldn’t have been upset when the campers were just being honest!

Campers visiting the Komodo Dragon exhibit

Although this exchange stands out in my memory, there are plenty of other irresistable camper quotes that occur throughout the summer. Another famous one comes from a girl who approached our Director during lunch. She asked for a glass of water because she was “choking on hotness!”. In other words, she had eaten hot Cheetohs and needed a drink desperately!

A participant in Keeper Camp visiting the aquarium

As full-time camp staff we get the pleasure of hearing these stories from June through August, and replayed throughout the year during lunch breaks when we just need a memorable laugh.

If you have a child between the ages of 4-12 and you’re wondering what you can do for the summer-look into our Camp Zoofari program. We are in the midst of week 2 and camp will continue through August 12th. Who knows, maybe your child could be the next to make it into the Camp Zoofari memorable quotes hall of fame!

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Jun
17

Introducing…Leigh Whitted Spencer!

Posted by in Education Office

So you have met 5 specialists and we are onto our final one! Our last specialist happens to be our Senior Education Specialist and she has been with the department for several years. Read more about her below!

Name: Leigh Whitted Spencer

Department and Title: Education; Senior Education Specialist

Leigh in a Harpy Eagle hut in Panama!

Job Description: Along with several other staff, I write and teach some of every program we offer. I am also responsible for the logistical side of our adult and family public programs.

Hometown: Bloomington, IL

Favorite animal and why? Acorn Woodpecker. Birds are my favorite group of animals, woodpeckers are my favorite birds, and the acorn woodpecker is my favorite woodpecker.

Favorite class to teach at HZI: I love to teach Point, Click, Zoo, our beginner-level adult photography class.

How long have you worked at the Houston Zoo? Two and a half years; I started in June of 2008.

Describe your education and experience prior to working at the Houston Zoo: I have my bachelor’s degree in Zoology and my master’s degree in Resource Interpretation. I worked as a show trainer and speaker for a bird show company and as a swing keeper at another zoo before coming to the Houston Zoo.

What do you enjoy most about working in the EduTeer Department? Because we offer a variety of programs, every day is different.

What animals do you have at home? I have a dog and an African grey parrot, both of which were rescues.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself: I worked with llamas while in high school and college, and I collect llama figurines and toys.

Leigh and Zuri-an African pygmy falcon

Thanks for reading our series on the EduTeer Department! We hope you enjoyed reading it as much as Leigh and I enjoyed writing it. We’ll see you back on this blog for stories on everything from Camp Zoofari to new happenings in the department!

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