The Blank Park Zoo would once again like to invite educators to professional development opportunities that will be held at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. The workshops are good for one hour of license renewal credit.

Participants in our workshops engage in relevant inquiry investigations that are connected to the Iowa Core and Next Generation Science Standards, learn research-based instructional practices, and gain knowledge and ideas that will be useful in their classrooms. Lessons are flexible, allowing teachers to adjust for their students’ abilities; and relate to all age groups in several subject areas (science, literacy, mathematics, social studies, and the arts).

Wild Genes – 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.

Location: Blank Park Zoo
When: Academic year workshops run 4:00-9:30 pm on Friday and 9:00 am-5:00 pm on Saturday. They will be held either in the new Events Center or the Discovery Center conference rooms.
Cost: $65.00 to help cover materials and meals, payable to Blank Park Zoo online; plus AEA credit fees (information regarding AEA registration will be sent to participants prior to each class).

By attending one or more of these workshops, teachers will be eligible to schedule a free 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.

Our education department is willing and able to travel to districts across the state with our classroom programs. Programs are connected to the Iowa Core in Science may be also adjusted to meet social studies and language standards or other curriculum needs of individual classrooms.