Brandywine Zoo - Traveling Zoo

Zoo-to-You

The Brandywine Zoo's Traveling Zoo is a fantastic zoo-to-you program!

Traveling Zoo Programs
School-Year Design Your Own Contract Programs & Rates Registration F.A.Q.s	School-Year Rates Library Rates Weekend Traveling Zoo Rates Self Guided Tours Summer Traveling Zoo

Let a Brandywine Zoo Traveling Zoo Naturalist come to your teaching environment with a program which may include:

Live animal presentations
BioFact (animal artifacts) presentations
Interactive activities
Reading a story
Oral presentation

Program Length is 30-40 minutes and will be held at your institution. Programs may vary, depending on age and grade level. The Cost is $4 per person.

School-Year Traveling Zoo Programs

18 MONTHS - KINDERGARTEN

From Head to Toe, by Eric Carle

Read "From Head to Toe," then discover facts about animal movement.

K-3 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A Plants and animals are similar to and different from each other in observable structures and behavior. These characteristics distinguish them from each other and from nonliving things.
Level: Essential
6.1.B Each plant or animal has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival and reproduction.
Level: Essential
6.1.C In animals the skeletal-muscular system provides structure, support and enables movement.
Level: Essential
7.2.A Many different kinds of plants and animals live throughout the world. These plants and animals can be grouped according to the characteristics they share.
Level: Compact

18 MONTHS - KINDERGARTEN

It's Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler

Celebrate the uniqueness of you and our program animals. Discover it's OK to be YOU, just as P.J. Funnybunny does in this story.

K-3 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A Plants and animals are similar to and different from each other in observable structures and behavior. These characteristics distinguish them from each other and from nonliving things.
Level: Essential
6.1.B Each plant or animal has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival and reproduction.
Level: Essential
6.1.C In animals the skeletal-muscular system provides structure, support and enables movement.
Level: Essential
6.3.A Senses help humans and other organisms detect internal and external cues.
Level: Essential
6.3.B The brain receives signals from parts of the body via the senses. In response, the brain sends signals to parts of the body to influence reactions.
Level: Essential
7.1.A The offspring of some plants and animals resemble the parents (ie. a tree seedling resembles a mature tree).
Level: Essential

PRE-K - KINDERGARTEN

Senses

Students use their senses to observe visiting animals, then compare animal senses to human senses.

K-3 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A Plants and animals are similar to and different from each other in observable structures and behavior. These characteristics distinguish them from each other and from nonliving things.
Level: Essential
6.1.B Each plant or animal has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival and reproduction.
Level: Essential
6.3.A Senses help humans and other organisms detect internal and external cues.
Level: Essential
6.3.B The brain receives signals from parts of the body via the senses. In response, the brain sends signals to parts of the body to influence reactions.
Level: Essential
8.2.A All animals depend on plants. Some animals eat plants for food. Other animals eat animals that have eaten plants.
Level: Important

PRE-K - KINDERGARTEN

Pets, Farm, or Wild?

Learn about the differences between pets, farm friends, and wild animals. This program complements the Brandywine Zoo's Discovery Tour field trip experience. "Creature Categories."

K-3 Cluster Standards Addressed:

1.1.A Understand that: Scientific investigations, whether conducted by students or scientists, involve asking a question about the natural world. Be able to: Generate questions and predictions using observations and exploration about the natural world.
Level: Essential
6.1.A Plants and animals are similar to and different from each other in observable structures and behavior. These characteristics distinguish them from each other and from nonliving things.
Level: Essential
6.2.B In addition to basic needs for survival, living things have needs specific to the organisms such as temperature range and food requirements.
Level: Essential
7.2.A Many different kinds of plants and animals live throughout the world. These plants and animals can be grouped according to the characteristics they share.
Level: Compact
7.3.A People use the variety of plants and animals found throughout the world for food, clothing and shelter (eg. Wood for building shelters, silk for clothing)
Level: Compact

PRE-K - GRADE 3

My Little Sister Ate One Hare by Bill Grossman

Find out how many creatures the little sister eats and meet some of the story animals up close and personal.

K-3 Cluster Standards Addressed:

5.2.A Weather influences plants, animals and human activity.
Level: Essential
6.1.A Plants and animals are similar to and different from each other in observable structures and behavior. These characteristics distinguish them from nonliving things.
Level: Essential
6.1.C In animals the skeletal-muscular system provides structure, support and enables movement.
Level: Essential
6.3.A Senses help humans and other organisms detect internal and external cues.
Level: Essential
6.4.C The ability of an organism to meet its needs for survival is dependent upon its environment. Manipulation of the environment can positively and negatively affect the well being of various organisms that live there.
Level: Important
7.1.A The offspring of some plants and animals resemble the parents.
Level: Essential
7.1.B The offspring of some plants and animals do not resemble the parents. Similarities between parents and their offspring become more apparent as their life cycle continues.
Level: Essential
7.1.C All plants and animals go through a life cycle of birth, growth, development, reproduction, and death. This cycle is predictable and describable, but differs from organism to organism.
Level: Essential
7.2.A Many different kinds of plants and animals live throughout the world. These plants and animals can be grouped according to the characteristics they share.
Level: Compact
8.1.A An interconnectedness exists among the living and nonliving parts of an environment. This interconnectedness can be observed by the changes made by plants and animals in their environment.
Level: Important
8.2.A All animals depend on plants. Some animals eat plants for food. Other animals eat animals that have eaten plants.
Level: Important

PRE-K - GRADE 3

The Mitten by Jan Brett

Students will learn how fur coats, warm dens, and hibernation are just a few of the interesting means that animals use to stay warm in winter.

K-3 Cluster Standards Addressed:

5.2.A Weather influences plants, animals and human activity.
Level: Essential
5.2.B People who work or play outdoors often dress and base their activities on the speed of the wind and the temperature of the air.
Level: Essential
6.1.A Plants and animals are similar to and different from each other in observable structures and behavior. These characteristics distinguish them from each other and from nonliving things.
Level: Essential
6.1.B Each plant or animal has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival and reproduction.
Level: Essential
6.1.C In animals the skeletal-muscular system provides structure, support and enables movement.
Level: Essential
6.2.B In addition to basic needs for survival, living things have needs specific to the organisms such as temperature range and food requirements.
Level: Essential
6.3.A Senses help humans and other organisms detect internal and external cues.
Level: Essential
6.4.B Humans use devices and specialized equipment to ensure safety and to improve their quality of life.
Level: Essential
7.3.A People use the variety of plants and animals found throughout the world for food, clothing and shelter (eg. Wood for building shelters, silk for clothing).
Level: Compact
8.1.A An interconnectedness exists among the living and nonliving parts of an environment. This interconnectedness can be observed by the changes made by plants and animals in their environment.
Level: Important

PRE-K - Grade 5

Jungle

Take an imaginary safari through the jungle, teeming with tropical treasures, to discover rainforest inhabitants.

K-3 Cluster Standards Addressed:

3.1.A The Sun is a source of energy that lights and warms the Earth.
Level: Essential
3.1.C Heat energy is a form of energy that makes things warmer.
Level: Important
3.2.D Transferring heat energy to an object will make it feel warmer by raising its temperature and it may cause a change in the object's physical properties.
Level: Important
4.1.A The shape of the Earth is similar to a sphere.
Level: Compact
5.2.A Weather influences plants, animals and human activity.
Level: Essential
5.2.C Water from rain, lakes, and underground, is needed by plants, animals and people for their everyday activities.
Level: Compact
6.1.A Plants and animals are similar to and different from each other in observable structures and behavior. These characteristics distinguish them from each other and from nonliving things.
Level: Essential
6.1.B Each plant or animal has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival and reproduction.
Level: Essential
6.1.C In animals the skeletal-muscular system provides structure, support and enables movement.
Level: Essential
6.2.A Plants and animals are living things. All living things have basic needs for survival including air water, food (nutrients), space, shelter, and light.
Level: Essential
6.2.B In addition to basic needs for survival, living things have needs specific to the organisms such as temperature range and food requirements.
Level: Essential
8.1.A An interconnectedness exists among the living and nonliving parts of an environment. This interconnectedness can be observed by the changes made by plants and animals in their environment.
Level: Important
8.1.B Plants and animals need enough space and resources to survive. Overcrowding leads to an increased need for resources.
Level: Important
8.2.A All animals depend on plants. Some animals eat plants for food. Other animals eat animals that have eaten plants.
Level: Important
8.3.A Many natural resources are limited. The amount available can be made to last longer by decreasing the use of some resources or by reusing or recycling certain materials.
Level: Essential

Grades 4-5 Cluster Standards Addressed:

3.1.D Sound is a form of energy that is produced by vibrating objects, and can be described by its pitch and its loudness (volume). Sound travels faster through some substances than others.
Level: Compact
3.1.E Heat energy raises the object's temperature or changes the state of the object (ie. solid to liquid, liquid to gas).
Level: Important
3.4.A The production of most of the energy that we use in our daily lives comes from energy stored in natural resources. The quantity of these resources is limited, so it is important to conserve our natural resources by using them wisely.
Level: Compact
5.2.C The flow of water can be affected by human activities, ground cover and the slope of the land affected.
Level: Essential
5.2.F Weather changes daily and seasonally. Weather in Delaware may change little from day to day, but can vary greatly when storm systems move into the area.
Level: Compact
5.2.H Local weather at any point in time varies at different locations around the world.
Level: Compact
6.1.A Structures that function for similar purposes in living things may have different appearances.
Level: Essential
6.1.C Organisms can be grouped based on similarities and differences in their structures and functions. These may include characteristics such as appendages, roots, and leaves of plants, or the presence or lack of a backbone.
Level: Compact
6.3.A An organism displays behaviors in response to internal cues, such as hunger, and external sues, such as light, temperature, or interaction with living things.
Level: Essential
6.3.B There are similarities and differences in how organisms respond to internal and external cues. These behaviors may include strategies for acquiring food, building shelters, or evading predators.
Level: Important
7.1.C Most plants go through a life cycle of germination, growth, development, reproduction and death.
Level: Essential
8.1.A People depend on living and nonliving resources to satisfy their need for food, shelter and fuel.
Level: Compact
8.1.B All living organisms interact with the living and nonliving parts of their surroundings to meet their needs for survival. These interactions lead to a constant exchange of matter.
Level: Essential
8.1.C Adaptations in organisms enable them to live and reproduce in certain environments. Those organisms that are best suited for a particular environment have adaptations that allow them to compete for available resources and cope with the physical conditions of their immediate surroundings.
Level: Essential
8.1.D Changes in an organism's environment may be either beneficial or harmful. Organisms may be affected by other organisms, by various physical factors (e.g., rainfall, temperature), by physical forces (e.g., storms, earthquakes), and by daily, seasonal, and annual cycles.
Level: Compact
8.1.E In order to survive, populations within an ecosystem require a balance of resources.
Level: Important
8.2.C Dead plants and animals are broken down by decomposers.
Level: Essential

KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 3

The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hayes Noble

We'll read the book and then explore the wonderful world of reptiles.

K-3 Cluster Standards Addressed:

3.1.C Heat energy is a form of energy that makes things warmer.
Level: Important
3.2.D Transferring heat energy to an object will make it feel warmer by raising its temperature and it may cause a change in the object's physical properties.
Level: Important
5.2.A Weather influences plants, animals and human activity.
Level: Essential
6.1.A Plants and animals are similar to and different from each other in observable structures and behavior. These characteristics distinguish them from each other and from nonliving things.
Level: Essential
6.1.B Each plant or animal has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival and reproduction.
Level: Essential
6.1.C In animals the skeletal-muscular system provides structure, support and enables movement.
Level: Essential
6.2.B In addition to basic needs for survival, living things have needs specific to the organisms such as temperature range and food requirements.
Level: Essential
6.3.A Senses help humans and other organisms detect internal and external cues.
Level: Essential
6.3.B The brain receives signals from parts of the body via the senses. In response, the brain sends signals to parts of the body to influence reactions.
Level: Essential
7.1.A The offspring of some plants and animals resemble the parents.
Level: Essential
7.1.C All plants and animals go through a life cycle of birth, growth, development, reproduction, and death. This cycle is predictable and describable, but differs from organism to organism.
Level: Essential
7.2.A Many different kinds of plants and animals live throughout the world. These plants and animals can be grouped according to the characteristics they share.
Level: Compact
8.1.A An interconnectedness exists among the living and nonliving parts of an environment. This interconnectedness can be observed by the changes made by plants and animals in their environment.
Level: Important

GRADES 1 - 5

Happenin' Habitats

Explore different habitats and the animals that live there.

K-3 Cluster Standards Addressed:

4.1.A The shape of the Earth is similar to a sphere.
Level: Compact
5.2.A Weather influences plants, animals and human activity.
Level: Essential
6.1.A Plants and animals are similar to and different from each other in observable structures and behavior. These characteristics distinguish them from each other and from nonliving things.
Level: Essential
6.1.B Each plant or animal has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival and reproduction.
Level: Essential
6.2.A Plants and animals are living things. All living things have basic needs for survival including air water, food (nutrients), space, shelter, and light.
Level: Essential
6.2.B In addition to basic needs for survival, living things have needs specific to the organisms such as temperature range and food requirements.
Level: Essential
7.2.A Many different kinds of plants and animals live throughout the world. These plants and animals can be grouped according to the characteristics they share.
Level: Compact
8.1.A An interconnectedness exists among the living and nonliving parts of an environment. This interconnectedness can be observed by the changes made by plants and animals in their environment.
Level: Important
8.1.B Plants and animals need enough space and resources to survive. Overcrowding leads to an increased need for resources.
Level: Important

4-5 Cluster Standards Addressed:

5.2.H Local weather at any point in time varies at different locations around the world.
Level: Compact
6.1.C Organisms can be grouped based on similarities and differences in their structures and functions. These may include characteristics such as appendages, roots, and leaves of plants, or the presence or lack of a backbone.
Level: Essential
6.3.A An organism displays behaviors in response to internal cues, such as hunger, and external sues, such as light, temperature, or interaction with living things.
Level: Essential
6.3.B There are similarities and differences in how organisms respond to internal and external cues. These behaviors may include strategies for acquiring food, building shelters, or evading predators.
Level: Important
7.2.A Organisms of the same type vary in appearance. These variations may provide an advantage in reproduction and survival.
Level: Compacat
8.1.B All living organisms interact with the living and nonliving parts of their surroundings to meet their needs for survival. hese interactions lead to a constant exchange of matter.
Level: Essential
8.1.C Adaptations in organisms enable them to live and reproduce in certain environments. Those organisms that are best suited for a particular environment have adaptations that allow them to compete for available resources and cope with the physical conditions of their immediate surroundings.
Level: Essential
8.1.D Changes in an organism's environment may be either beneficial or harmful. Organisms may be affected by other organisms, by various physical factors (e.g. rainfall, temperature), by physical forces (e.g., storms, earthquakes), and by daily, seasonal, and annual cycles.
Level: Essential
8.1.E In order to survive, populations within an ecosystem require a balance of resources.
Level: Important

GRADES 1 - 8

What's for Dinner?

What do different animals eat? Why? Explore live animals and biofacts to find out how herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores are specially adapted for their favorite meals!

K-3 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A Plants and animals are similar to and different from each other in observable structures and behavior. These characteristics distinguish them from each other and from nonliving things.
Level: Essential
6.1.B Each plant or animal has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival and reproduction.
Level: Essential
6.1.C In animals the skeletal-muscular system provides structure, support and enables movement.
Level: Essential
6.2.B In addition to basic needs for survival, living things have needs specific to the organism such as temperature range and food requirements.
Level: Essential
6.3.A Senses help humans and other organisms detect internal and external cues.
Level: Essential
7.2.A Many different kinds of plants and animals live throughout the world. These plants and animals can be grouped according to the characteristics they share.
Level: Compact
8.1.A An interconnectedness exists among the living and nonliving parts of an environment. This interconnectedness can be observed by the changes made by plants and animals in their environment.
Level: Important

4-5 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A Structures that function for similar purposes in living things may have different appearances.
Level: Essential
6.1.C Organisms can be grouped based on similarities and differences in their structures and functions. These may include characteristics such as appendages, roots, and leaves of plants, or the presence or lack of a backbone.
Level: Essential
6.2.B Animals need food to provide materials and energy for life which they derive directly or indirectly from plants.
Level: Essential
6.3.A An organism displays behaviors in response to internal cues, such as hunger, and external sues, such as light, temperature, or interaction with living things.
Level: Essential
6.3.B There are similarities and differences in how organisms respond to internal and external cues. These behaviors may include strategies for acquiring food, building shelters, or evading predators.
Level: Important
8.1.B All living organisms interact with the living and nonliving parts of their surroundings to meet their needs for survival. These interactions lead to a constant exchange of matter.
Level: Essential
8.1.C Adaptations in organisms enable them to live and reproduce in certain environments. Those organisms that are best suited for a particular environment have adaptations that allow them to compete for available resources and cope with the physical conditions of their immediate surroundings.
Level: Essential
8.1.D Changes in an organism's environment may be either beneficial or harmful. Organisms may be affected by other organisms, by various physical factors (e.g., rainfall, temperature), by physical forces (e.g., storms, earthquakes), and by daily, seasonal, and annual cycles.
Level: Compact

6-8 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A Living organisms share common characteristics that distinguish them from non-living, dead, and dormant things. They grow, consume nutrients, exchange gases, respond to stimuli, reproduce, need water, eliminate waste, and are composed of cell(s).
Level: Essential
6.3.A Regulation of an organism's internal environment involves sensing external changes in the environment and responding physiologically to keep conditions within the range required for survival (eg. Increasing heart rate with exertion).
Level: Compact
7.2.F The great variety of body forms and structures found in different species enable organisms to survive in diverse environments.
Level: Essential
8.1. E The size of populations may change as a result of the interrelationships among organisms. These may include predator/prey rations, availability of resources, and habitat changes.
Level: Essential
8.1.F In all environments organisms with similar needs may compete with one another for resources including food, water, air, space and shelter. This competition results in natural population fluctuations.
Level: Important
8.3.B The introduction of competing species, removal of natural habitat, alteration of native landscapes due to urban, industrial and agricultural activities, over-harvesting of species, alteration of waterways and removal of natural predators etc., are actions that have a lasting impact on ecosystems.
Level: Essential

GRADES 1 - 8

Mammals

Discover what makes a mammal a mammal through activities, discussion, and live animals!

K-3 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A Plants and animals are similar to and different from each other in observable structures and behavior. These characteristics distinguish them from each other and from nonliving things.
Level: Essential
6.1.B Each plant or animal has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival and reproduction.
Level: Essential
6.1.C In animals the skeletal-muscular system provides structure, support and enables movement.
Level: Essential
7.1.A The offspring of some plants and animals resemble the parents (ie. a tree seedling resembles a mature tree).
Level: Essential
7.1.B The offspring of some plants and animals do not resemble the parents. Similarities between parents and their offspring become more apparent as their life cycle continues.
Level: Essential
7.1.C All plants and animals go through a life cycle of birth, growth, development, reproduction, and death. This cycle is predictable and describable, but differs from organism to organism.
Level: Essential
7.2.A Many different kinds of plants and animals live throughout the world. These plants and animals can be grouped according to the characteristics they share.
Level: Compact
8.1.A An interconnectedness exists among the living and nonliving parts of an environment. This interconnectedness can be observed by the changes made by plants and animals in their environment.
Level: Important
8.1.B Plants and animals need enough space and resources to survive. Overcrowding leads to an increased need for resources.
Level: Important
8.2.A All animals depend on plants. Some animals eat plants for food. Other animals eat animals that have eaten plants.
Level: Important

4-5 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A Structures that function for similar purposes in living things may have different appearances.
Level: Essential
6.1.C Organisms can be grouped based on similarities and differences in their structures and functions. These may include characteristics such as appendages, roots, and leaves of plants, or the presence or lack of a backbone.
Level: Essential
6.3.A An organism displays behaviors in response to internal cues, such as hunger, and external sues, such as light, temperature, or interaction with living things.
Level: Essential
6.3.B There are similarities and differences in how organisms respond to internal and external cues. These behaviors may include strategies for acquiring food, building shelters, or evading predators. br> Level: Important
7.2.A Organisms of the same type vary in appearance. These variations may provide an advantage in reproduction and survival.
Level: Compact
8.1.B All living organisms interact with the living and nonliving parts of their surroundings to meet their needs for survival. These interactions lead to a constant exchange of matter.
Level: Essential
8.1.C Adaptations in organisms enable them to live and reproduce in certain environments. Those organisms that are best suited for a particular environment have adaptations that allow them to compete for available resources and cope with the physical conditions of their immediate surroundings.
Level: Essential
8.1.D Changes in an organism's environment may be either beneficial or harmful. Organisms may be affected by other organisms, by various physical factors (e.g., rainfall, temperature), by physical forces (e.g., storms, earthquakes), and by daily, seasonal, and annual cycles.
Level: Compacat
8.1.E In order to survive, populations within an ecosystem require a balance of resources.
Level: Important

6-8 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A Living organisms share common characteristics that distinguish them from non-living, dead, and dormant things. They grow, consume nutrients, exchange gases, respond to stimuli, reproduce, need water, eliminate waste, and are composed of cell(s).
Level: Essential
6.3.A Regulation of an organism's internal environment involves sensing external changes in the environment and responding physiologically to keep conditions within the range required for survival (eg. Increasing heart rate with exertion).
Level: Compact
7.1.A Reproduction is a characteristic of all living systems and is essential to the continuation of every species.
Level: Essential
7.1.E Organisms have different reproductive strategies to ensure their offspring's survival. Some organisms produce many offspring and provide little parental care. Other organisms produce few offspring and invest much time and energy in care of their offspring.
Level: Compact
7.2.E There is a wide diversity of organisms on Earth. These organisms may be classified in a number if ways. One classification system places organisms into five kingdoms (monera, protista, fungi, plantae, animalia) based on similarities in structure.
Level: Important
7.2.F The great variety of body forms and structures found in different species enable organisms to survive in diverse environments.
Level: Essential
8.1.E The size of populations may change as a result of the interrelationships among organisms. These may include predator/prey ratios, availability of resources, and habitat changes.
Level: Essential
8.1.F In all environments organisms with similar needs may compete with one another for resources including food, water, air, space and shelter. This competition results in natural population fluctuations.
Level: Important
8.1.G Overpopulation can lead to depletion of resources and potential extinction of species.
Level: Essential
8.3.B The introduction of competing species, removal of natural habitat, alteration of native landscapes due to urban, industrial and agricultural activities, over-harvesting of species, alteration of waterways and removal of natural predators etc., are actions that have a lasting impact on ecosystems.
Level: Essential

GRADES 1 - 8

Spineless Wonders

Students will explore the world of invertebrates and find out how these "spineless" animals are specially adapted to survive.

K-3 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A Plants and animals are similar to and different from each other in observable structures and behavior. These characteristics distinguish them from each other and from nonliving things.
Level: Essential
6.1.B Each plant or animal has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival and reproduction.
Level: Essential
6.1.C In animals the skeletal-muscular system provides structure, support and enables movement.
Level: Essential
6.3.A Senses help humans and other organisms detect internal and external cues.
Level: Essential
6.3.B The brain receives signals from parts of the body via the senses. In response, the brain sends signals to parts of the body to influence reactions.
Level: Essential
7.1.C All plants and animals go through a life cycle of birth, growth, development, reproduction, and death. This cycle is predictable and describable, but differs from organism to organism.
Level: Essential

4-5 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A. Structures that function for similar purposes in living things may have different appearances.
Level: Essential
6.1.C Organisms can be grouped based on similarities and differences in their structures and functions. These may include characteristics such as appendages, roots, and leaves of plants, or the presence or lack of a backbone.
Level: Essential
6.2.B Animals need food to provide materials and energy for life which they derive directly or indirectly from plants.
Level: Essential
7.2.A Organisms of the same type vary in appearance. These variations may provide an advantage in reproduction and survival.
Level: Compact
8.1.B All living organisms interact with the living and nonliving parts of their surroundings to meet their needs for survival. These interactions lead to a constant exchange of matter.
Level: Essential
8.1.C Adaptations in organisms enable them to live and reproduce in certain environments. Those organisms that are best suited for a particular environment have adaptations that allow them to compete for available resources and cope with the physical conditions of their immediate surroundings.
Level: Essential
8.1.D Changes in an organism's environment may be either beneficial or harmful. Organisms may be affected by other organisms, by various physical factors (e.g. rainfall, temperature), by physical forces (e.g., storms, earthquakes), and by daily, seasonal, and annual cycles.
Level: Essential
8.2.C Dead pants and animals are broken down by decomposers.
Level: Essential

6-8 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A Living organisms share common characteristics that distinguish them from non-living, dead, and dormant things. They grow, consume nutrients, exchange gases, respond to stimuli, reproduce, need water, eliminate waste, and are composed of cell(s).
Level: Essential
6.4.C The environment may contain dangerous levels of substances in the water and soil that are harmful to organisms. Careful monitoring of these is important for healthy life processes.
Level: Compact
7.1.A Reproduction is a characteristic of all living systems and is essential to the continuation of every species.
Level: Essential
7.1.E Organisms have different reproductive strategies to ensure their offspring's survival. Some organisms produce many offspring and provide little parental care. Other organisms produce few offspring and invest much time and energy in care of their offspring.
Level: Compact
7.2.E There is a wide diversity of organisms on Earth. These organisms may be classified in a number if ways. One classification system places organisms into five kingdoms (monera, protista, fungi, plantae, animalia) based on similarities in structure.
Level: Important
7.2.F The great variety of body forms and structures found in different species enable organisms to survive in diverse environments.
Level: Essential
8.3.B The introduction of competing species, removal of natural habitat, alteration of native landscapes due to urban, industrial and agricultural activities, over-harvesting of species, alteration of waterways and removal of natural predators etc., are actions that have a lasting impact on ecosystems.
Level: Essential

GRADES 1 - 8

Animal Adaptations

Discover how animals use special adaptations such as beaks, feet and other tools to survive.

K-3 Cluster Standards Addressed:

1.1.A Understand that: Scientific investigations, whether conducted by students or scientists, involve asking a question about the natural world. Be able to: Generate questions and predictions using observations and exploration about the natural world.
Level: Essential
5.2.A Weather influences plants, animals and human activity.
Level: Essential
6.1.A Plants and animals are similar to and different from each other in observable structures and behavior. These characteristics distinguish them from each other and from nonliving things.
Level: Essential
6.2.B In addition to basic needs for survival, living things have needs specific to the organisms such as temperature range and food requirements.
Level: Essential
6.1.C In animals the skeletal-muscular system provides structure, support and enables movement.
Level: Essential
7.1.A The offspring of some plants and animals resemble the parents.
Level: Essential
7.1.B The offspring of some plants and animals do not resemble the parents. Similarities between parents and their offspring become more apparent as their life cycle continues.
Level: Essential
7.1.C All plants and animals go through a life cycle of birth, growth, development, reproduction, and death. This cycle is predictable and describable, but differs from organism to organism.
Level: Essential
7.2.A Many different kinds of plants and animals live throughout the world. These plants and animals can be grouped according to the characteristics they share.
Level: Compact
7.3.A People use the variety of plants and animals found throughout the world for food, clothing, and shelter (e.g. silk for clothing, wood for building shelters.)
Level: Compact
8.1.A An interconnectedness exists among the living and nonliving parts of an environment. This interconnectedness can be observed by the changes made by plants and animals in their environment.
Level: Important
8.2.A All animals depend on plants. Some animals eat plants for food. Other animals eat animals that have eaten plants.
Level: Important
8.3.A Many natural resources are limited. The amount available can be made to last longer by decreasing the use of some resources or by reusing or recycling certain materials.
Level: Essential

4-5 Cluster Standards Addressed:

3.1.D Sound is a form of energy that is produced by vibrating objects, and can be described by its pitch and its loudness (volume). Sound travels faster through some substances than others.
Level: Compact
3.1.E Heat energy raises the object's temperature or changes the state of the object (ie. solid to liquid, liquid to gas).
Level: Important
5.2.H Local weather at any point in time varies at different locations around the world.
Level: Compact
6.1.A Structures that function for similar purposes in living things may have different appearances.
Level: Essential
6.1.C Organisms can be grouped based on similarities and differences in their structures and functions. These may include characteristics such as appendages, roots, and leaves of plants, or the presence or lack of a backbone.
Level: Essential
6.3.A An organism displays behaviors in response to internal cues, such as hunger, and external sues, such as light, temperature, or interaction with living things.
Level: Essential
6.3.B There are similarities and differences in how organisms respond to internal and external cues. These behaviors may include strategies for acquiring food, building shelters, or evading predators.
Level: Important
7.2.A Organisms of the same type vary in appearance. These variations may provide an advantage in reproduction and survival.
Level: Compact
8.1.C Adaptations in organisms enable them to live and reproduce in certain environments. Those organisms that are best suited for a particular environment have adaptations that allow them to compete for available resources and cope with the physical conditions of their immediate surroundings.
Level: Essential

6-8 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A Living organisms share common characteristics that distinguish them from non-living, dead, and dormant things. They grow, consume nutrients, exchange gases, respond to stimuli, reproduce, need water, eliminate waste, and are composed of cell(s).
Level: Essential
6.3.A Regulation of an organism's internal environment involves sensing external changes in the environment and responding physiologically to keep conditions within the range required for survival (eg. Increasing heart rate with exertion).
Level: Compact
7.1.A Reproduction is a characteristic of all living systems and is essential to the continuation of every species.
Level: Essential
7.1.E Organisms have different reproductive strategies to ensure their offspring's survival. Some organisms produce many offspring and provide little parental care. Other organisms produce few offspring and invest much time and energy in care of their offspring.
Level: Compacat
7.2.E There is a wide diversity of organisms on Earth. These organisms may be classified in a number if ways. One classification system places organisms into five kingdoms (monera, protista, fungi, plantae, animalia) based on similarities in structure.
Level: Important
7.2.F The great variety of body forms and structures found in different species enable organisms to survive in diverse environments.
Level: Essential

GRADES 4 - 8

Endangered!

Look inside our suitcase for survival to learn all about endangered species, factors contributing to their low numbers, and ways students can help save these animals from extinction.

Grades 4-5 Cluster Standards Addressed:

1.3.A Contributions by individuals have been essential in advancing the body of scientific knowledge.
Level: Compact
6.2.B Animals need food to provide materials and energy for life which they derive directly or indirectly from plants.
Level: Essential
6.4.B Short term and long term studies are used to determine the effects of environmental changes (natural and man-made) on the health of the organisms within that environment.
Level: Important
8.1.B All living organisms interact with the living and nonliving parts of their surroundings to meet their needs for survival. These interactions lead to a constant exchange of matter.
Level: Essential
8.1.D Changes in an organism's environment may be either beneficial or harmful. Organisms may be affected by other organisms, by various physical factors (e.g., rainfall, temperature), by physical forces (e.g., storms, earthquakes), and by daily, seasonal, and annual cycles.
Level: Compact
8.1.E In order to survive, populations within an ecosystem require a balance of resources.
Level: Important
8.3.A Human activities may cause pollution of air, water and soil.
Level: Important

Grades 6-8 Cluster Standards Addressed:

1.3.A Over the course of human history, contributions to science have been made by different people from different cultures. Studying some of these contributions and how they came about provides insight into the expansion of scientific knowledge.
Level: Compact
6.4.C The environment may contain dangerous levels of substances in the water and soil that are harmful to organisms. Careful monitoring of these is important for healthy life processes.
Level: Compact
7.1.A Reproduction is a characteristic of all living systems and is essential to the continuation of every species.
Level: Essential
7.2.D Extinction of a species occurs when the environment changes and the adaptive characteristics of a species are insufficient to allow its survival. Most of the species that have lived on Earth no longer exist.
Level: Important
8.1. E The size of populations may change as a result of the interrelationships among organisms. These may include predator/prey rations, availability of resources, and habitat changes.
Level: Essential
8.1.F In all environments organisms with similar needs may compete with one another for resources including food, water, air, space and shelter. This competition results in natural population fluctuations.
Level: Important
8.1.G Overpopulation can lead to depletion of resources and potential extinction of species.
Level: Essential
8.3.B The introduction of competing species, removal of natural habitat, alteration of native landscapes due to urban, industrial and agricultural activities, over-harvesting of species, alteration of waterways and removal of natural predators etc., are actions that have a lasting impact on ecosystems.
Level: Essential

GRADES 4 - 12

Zoo Careers

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be a zoo keeper or zoo educator? Learn about the exciting world of zoo careers and meet some of the staff's favorite zoo critters.

4-5 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.1.A Structures that function for similar purposes in living things may have different appearances.
Level: Essential
6.1.C Organisms can be grouped based on similarities and differences in their structures and functions. These may include characteristics such as appendages, roots, and leaves of plants, or the presence or lack of a backbone.
Level: Essential
6.3.A An organism displays behaviors in response to internal cues, such as hunger, and external sues, such as light, temperature, or interaction with living things.
Level: Essential
6.3.B There are similarities and differences in how organisms respond to internal and external cues. These behaviors may include strategies for acquiring food, building shelters, or evading predators.
Level: Important
8.1.C Adaptations in organisms enable them to live and reproduce in certain environments. Those organisms that are best suited for a particular environment have adaptations that allow them to compete for available resources and cope with the physical conditions of their immediate surroundings.
Level: Essential
8.1.D Changes in an organism's environment may be either beneficial or harmful.
Organisms may be affected by other organisms, by various physical factors (e.g., rainfall, temperature), by physical forces (e.g., storms, earthquakes), and by daily, seasonal, and annual cycles.
Level: Compact

6-8 Cluster Standards Addressed:

1.3.A Over the course of human history, contributions to science have been made by different people from different cultures. Studying some of these contributions and how they came about provides insight into the expansion of scientific knowledge.
Level: Compact
6.1.A Living organisms share common characteristics that distinguish them from non-living, dead, and dormant things. They grow, consume nutrients, exchange gases, respond to stimuli, reproduce, need water, eliminate waste, and are composed of cell(s).
Level: Essential
6.3.A Regulation of an organism's internal environment involves sensing external changes in the environment and responding physiologically to keep conditions within the range required for survival (eg. Increasing heart rate with exertion).
Level: Compact
7.1.A Reproduction is a characteristic of all living systems and is essential to the continuation of every species.
Level: Essential
7.2.E There is a wide diversity of organisms on Earth. These organisms may be classified in a number if ways. One classification system places organisms into five kingdoms (monera, protista, fungi, plantae, animalia) based on similarities in structure.
Level: Important
7.2.F The great variety of body forms and structures found in different species enable organisms to survive in diverse environments.
Level: Essential
8.3.B The introduction of competing species, removal of natural habitat, alteration of native landscapes due to urban, industrial and agricultural activities, over-harvesting of species, alteration of waterways and removal of natural predators etc., are actions that have a lasting impact on ecosystems.
Level: Essential

9-12 Cluster Standards Addressed:

6.3.B Multi-cellular animals have nervous systems that generate behavioral responses. These responses result from interactions between organisms of the same species, organisms of different species, and from environmental changes.
Level: Compact
7.1.B Known patterns of inheritance can be used to make predictions about genetic variation.
Level: Important
7.3.A The expanding ability to manipulate genetic material, reproductive processes, and embryological development creates choices that raise ethical, legal, social, and p public policy questions.
Level: Compact
7.3.C DNA is analyzed to determine evolutionary relationships, study populations, identify individuals, and diagnose genetic disorders.
Level: Important
8.3.C Human activities have a major effect on other species. For example, increased land use reduces habitat available to other species, pollution changes the chemical composition of air, soil, and water, and introduction of non-native species disrupts the ecological balance.
Level: Essential
8.3.E The complexity and interaction of these ecosystems requires individual and collaborative efforts on a local, regional national and international scale.
Level: Compact

Design Your Own Program

If you do not see a program that covers the information that you wish to illustrate, please call the Zoo's Education Department at 302-571-7850 ext. 208 and let us help you design your own program.

Contract Programs

Contract Programs for large groups or schools (including grade level appropriate Discovery Tour and Traveling Zoo) are available for a reduced rate. Please call the Curator of Education for more information or to set up a Contract Program at 571-7850 Ext. 208.

Contract Program Rates

Contract programs are available to schools and school districts.

These programs allow reduced rates for large groups.

Contact the Curator of Education, Jill Karlson, for more information or to set up a program
or call 302-571-7850 x208.

Contact DNREC for more information.

Program Rates

Program fees vary depending on the program itself and the time of year the program is booked for. Full payment is required prior to the date of the program.

Mileage rates apply for Kent and Sussex Counties.

Scholarships may be available. Ask when making a reservation.

Reduced rates are offered for multiple programs (three or more).

Payment is due at least two weeks prior to first program date.

School Year Traveling Zoo Rates

The school year is considered September through May

Any programs held in January and February will not include animals

Programs are presented between 10 AM and 2 PM

The fee is $4.00 per person. Large group fees and scholarships are available. "Large Groups" are considered 200+ participants per program.

One teacher free per classroom, all other assistants must pay the program fee.

Contact Matt Halterman to schedule a School Year program or call 302-571-7850 x224.

Library Rates

We have special rates for libraries booking Traveling Zoo programs

Recommended group size is 40 or less, maximum size is based on your facility and adult supervision

Fees vary with Counties
     - New Castle County: $150.00/program or $125/3+ programs
     - Kent County: $170/program or $145/3+ programs
     - Sussex: $185/program or $160/3+ programs

If you book three or more a year, the fee is $125 per program

Contact Matt Halterman to schedule a School Year program or call 302-571-7850 x224.

Weekend Traveling Zoo Rates

Rates may vary depending upon type of program.

Programs are presented March through December, between 10 AM and 2 PM

To book a weekend traveling Zoo, contact Nancy Falasco or call 302-571-7850 x201.

Registration

To register for a program:

Call our Traveling Zoo coordinator at 302-571-7850 x224 or email Matt Halterman to schedule a Traveling Zoo program. Our traveling zoo outreach teams are available March-December. Please include in your message:
a. Date and Times
b. Program Choice
c. Contact information
Please advise us of students with special needs when you register.
For fees, see our payment page.
Full payment is required two weeks prior to the date of the program. Scholarships may be available, ask when registering!

FAQ's

What animals do you bring?
We have approximately 20 animals that are available to travel, and animal choices depend upon:

The program chosen
Animal availability

Specific requests may be made, but ultimately the Zoo has a choice on whether that animal is capable to travel. We will not bring anything that may be harmful to us or to your guests and your site.

What kind of locations will the Traveling Zoo visit?
We will go to many institutions such as libraries, museums, day care centers, schools, churches, festivals, special events, etc. The Brandywine Zoo, at this time, only travels within the State of Delaware.

Does the Traveling Zoo do birthday parties or visit private homes?
We are sorry, but the Brandywine Zoo Traveling Zoo does not visit private homes or birthday parties.

Do Brandywine Zoo Traveling Zoo programs meet state education standards?
Yes, most Traveling Zoo programs will meet Delaware State Education Standards (where indicated-ask when scheduling).

When does the Traveling Zoo hold programs?
The Brandywine Zoo does programs that may include animals March through December. Unfortunately, we can not travel with animals in January or February. The Traveling Zoo programs take place between the hours of 10am and 2pm.

How long are Traveling Zoo programs?
Our Traveling Zoo programs generally run between 30 and 40 minutes, but times may vary depending upon the program chosen.

How much does it cost for the Traveling Zoo to come to my site?
We have several prices for Traveling Zoos:

School Year (September through May-Programs in January and February will not include animals)
Summer Traveling Zoo
Library Rates
Weekend Rates
Contract Program Rates

Full payment is required prior to the date of your program. One teacher is free per classroom.

Can I get an invoice for the programs I've signed up for?
Invoices are sent upon request.

Are scholarships available?
Yes, The Brandywine Zoo offers a limited amount of scholarships for the year. Inquire within. Call 302-571-7850 x224 for more information.

Is there a minimum amount of participants required to have a program visit me?
Yes, Traveling Zoo programs generally require at least 20 participants. For specific inquires,
call the Traveling Zoo naturalist.

Where can I find out more information?
Contact Matt Halterman, our Traveling Zoo coordinator, with questions or to book a program
or call 302-571-7850 x224.

Self Guided Tours

You are invited to visit the Zoo with your group on your own. If you have special activities for your students or want to introduce the Zoo in a more informal way, this is the format for you. Call ahead for group rates and visitation information.

Summer Traveling Zoo

The Brandywine Zoo offers Summer Traveling Zoo programs which are designed to serve you at your facility. Exciting educational programs are presented throughout the summer. Reduced rates are offered for multiple programs (three or more). Scholarships may be available!

Important Program Info: Programs run 35-40 minutes in length and have pre-set weekly themes, which run Monday - Friday.

Group Size: Recommended group size is 40 or less participants. Maximum group size is based on your facility size and amount of adult supervision.

*FEES: Based on single programs or for reduced rates for 3 or more programs.

New Castle County: $150 OR $125/3+ programs

Kent County: $170 OR $145/3+ programs

Sussex County: $185 OR $160/3+ programs

NOTE: Animal selection or programs are subject to change in the case of animal availability, staff decisions or extreme weather conditions.

*Make CHECKS payable to: "The Delaware Zoological Society." Or pay using Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express.

BOOK EARLY! DATES ARE LIMITED!

Contact Mat Halterman
Education Outreach Coordinator
302-571-7850 x224
Matt Halterman