Moose Mystery: Minnesota’s Vanishing Icon
The moose has long been a symbol of Minnesota’s wild northern territories and beyond. However, in recent years the moose’s presence in Minnesota seems to be dwindling. This program focuses on both the characteristics of the moose and its place in the ecosystem as well as the work being done by researchers attempting to confirm and explain the moose’s gradual disappearance from Minnesota. After examining the evidence and the methods used to collect it, students will deliberate on their own theories of why the moose is vanishing.

To book “Moose Mystery” on CILC, click here.

Calls from the Wild: Exploring Animal Communication
Have you ever heard a dog barking or a bird chirping and wondered what they were saying? Many researchers have wondered the same thing! This program explores some wilder examples of critter communication found in the animal kingdom— from familiar vocalizations to more exotic examples like bee dancing and chemical communication. We’ll also look at some of the creative ways scientists have learned to crack the code of animal chatter in recent years, including how prairie dogs use “grammar” and how crows spread rumors.

To book “Calls from the Wild” on CILC, click here.


Ages: 2nd grade – 12th grade and adults

*Fees:
$85.00/program for schools in Minnesota
$115.00/program for schools outside Minnesota

To book a program, contact Distance Learning coordinator Galen Sjostrom at either ivc@mnzoo.org or 952-431-9522.

Pilot Opportunities Coming Soon:

Engineered by Nature: Animals Build, We Learn
Human beings may have learned how to do many incredible things over the years, but some of our most important lessons and examples came directly from the natural world. Before we knew how to build dams, fly airplanes, or farm crops, there were already animals that changed the course of rivers, glided over oceans, and “grew” their own food. During this program we’ll explore both incredible engineering within the animal kingdom and some fascinating ways we humans have been learning to build better thanks to animal examples.

Species Feces: Pondering Poop at the Zoo and Beyond
Although animal excrement may not be a glamorous topic when learning about animals, knowing the facts on poop can be critical to both studying animals in the wild and taking care of their relatives in Zoos like ours. During this program students will explore one of the smellier sides of science as they learn just how important animal poop (or scat) can be to wild animals, scientists, farmers, and the environment itself.

*Thanks to funding in part from the Minnesota Legacy Amendment, the Minnesota Zoo is pleased to offer these programs at a discounted price of $85 for audiences in Minnesota. Regular pricing is $115 per program. Each program lasts approximately 45-55 minutes (depending on age of audience).