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).

Wonders of Water – 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.

Location: Blank Park Zoo

When: Summer workshops are held over two consecutive full days. 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.