Scientific Methods & Careers


Return to At-the-Zoo Programs.

Zoo Science
Grade: 4th +
Program Theme: Science and the scientific method are used in many aspects of zoo operations including animal care and wildlife conservation.

Program Activities: NOTE – Allow at least 90 minutes for this program. After a review of the scientific method, students will participate in at least two activities in which they will be posed with a question, collect data, analyze the data, draw a conclusion, and present their results. Teachers have the option of several activities based on the level of their students. Possible activities include but are not limited to the following: Using telemetry to track the habitat use of a radio-collared animal, gathering data to construct an ethogram (inventory) of a particular animal’s behavior, using genetic data to determine a healthy mating pair of tigers, scientifically describing prairie dog habitat. The program includes a tour of animals in at Zoo Boise that have benefited from science.

Animal Behavior
Grade: 6th +
Program Theme: Studying animal behavior plays a role in wildlife conservation. The scientific method as well as several data collection methods can be used in studying animal behavior.

Program Activities: NOTE – Allow at least 90 minutes for this program. Students will review the scientific method, learn to identify behavior, and apply one of two methods of data collection to behavior observations of a zoo animal. Results will be compared and discussed. A math activity to determine statistical significance of their data will be provided.

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Zoo Careers
Grade: 6th +
Program Theme: Many types of jobs are available in a zoo. Some require knowledge of biology and ecology while others do not. All require a passion for animals and wildlife conservation.

Program Activities: In a discussion and zoo tour, students will determine the wide variety of career options within the zoo industry. Specific activities will vary depending on zoo staff available but may include a visit to the zoo kitchen, an animal feeding, or a training demonstration.

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