Preschool programs can accommodate classrooms up to 20 students and last 45 minutes.

Zoos for Twos (Age 2)

Toddlers will be treated to a story and a song and will have an up-close experience with some friendly animals.

Furry Friends (Ages 3-5) – Limited Availability

Preschoolers will learn about the basic needs and adaptations of mammals, while being gently introduced to some furry friends from the Zoo.

Color Zoo (Ages 3-5)

Children will journey through a rainbow of colors in the animal kingdom as they discover the many patterns and shades of the natural world.

Zoo Moves (Ages 3-5)

Animals move in ways people only dream of moving– birds soar above the treetops and monkeys swing from branch to branch. Learn how gorillas knuckle-walk, snakes slither, and rabbits hop in this fun-filled exploration of animal movement.

Super Senses (Ages 3-5)

Preschoolers will discover how different animals use their special senses to help them survive, while comparing their own senses to those of some animal visitors.

Kindergarten Learning Adventures can accommodate classrooms up to 25 students and last 45 minutes.

Zoofari

Take a fun trip around the world without ever leaving the Zoo! Students will learn about animals from the steamy rainforest, the searing African savanna, the coral reefs, and North American forests. STEELS 3.1.K.A

Learning Adventures for grades 1-3 can accommodate classrooms up to 25 students and last 45 minutes.

Pennsylvania Pride

This class introduces students to the wonderful variety of wildlife that lives in Pennsylvania. The students will focus on animals found in their own backyards and learn that conservation begins at home. STEELS 3.1.K.A, 3.1.3.G, 3.3.3.B, 3.1.4.A

Polar Quest

Discover how polar bears, walruses, and sea otters survive their frigid ocean habitats by exploring their unique adaptations. STEELS 3.1.K.A, 3.1.3.G, 3.3.3.B, 3.1.4.A

It’s a Jungle Out There

Students are invited on a special journey into the world’s tropical rainforests. Emphasis is on both the rainforest as a habitat and on what life is like for the animals that live there. STEELS 3.1.K.A, 3.1.3.G, 3.3.3.B, 3.1.4.A

African Adventures

The African Savanna is home to some of the largest and most unique animals on the planet. Discover how the circle of life applies to the creatures that live in this remarkable habitat. STEELS 3.1.K.A, 3.1.3.B, 3.1.3.G, 3.3.3.B, 3.1.4.A, 3.1.5.B

Learning Adventures for grades 4-6 can accommodate classrooms up to 25 students.

Animals in Jeopardy

(45 minutes)

In a lively game of endangered species jeopardy, this class examines why animals are endangered and what zoos and aquariums are doing to help in the conservation of these incredible species. STEELS 3.1.6-8.L, 3.1.6-8.U

Animal Observations

(1.5 hours) Available September – April

Take the scientific method out of the textbook and put it into practice in this hands-on exploration of animal behavior. Discover why we study ethology (animal behavior), and participate in a behavioral study of one of our animals. STEELS 3.1.4.A

Exploring the Rainforest

(45 minutes)

Learn about the rainforest ecosystem and the animals that live within. We’ll discuss the challenges facing rainforest conservation and offer suggestions on ways we can help. STEELS 3.1.3.G, 3.3.3.B, 3.1.4.A, 3.1.6-8.F, 3.1.6-8.J

Gorillas on the Line

(45 minutes)

Gorillas on the Line is a national campaign aimed at turning e-waste like old cell phones and tablets into profit for gorilla conservation. Our program brings middle and high school students into the daily lives of gorillas, gives them the inside scoop on our troop, and discusses human impacts on their rainforest home. Students are encouraged to join our collection drive, contributing to environmental solutions at home and around the world. STEELS: 3.4.3-5.D, 3.4.6-8H, 3.3.9-12.O, 3.3.9-12.P, 3.4.9-12.A

One Degree of Change

(45 minutes)

In this program, students will learn about the causes and effects of climate change, including how it impacts animals throughout the world. We’ll discuss Zoo conservation programs and present live animals. Throughout the program, students will be challenged to think about their own actions, and how individual actions can create positive environmental change. STEELS 3.3.4.D, 3.3.5.E, 3.3.6-8.O

Sea Turtles, Save Turtles!

(45 minutes)

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Second Change Program is helping sea turtles in a big way. Join us as we learn about some of the challenges sea turtles are facing and why it’s so important to work towards saving them. Whether you’re on a beach or miles away from the ocean you can do your part to help these beautiful creatures. If we all pitch in, imagine the ocean of possibilities. STEELS 3.3.5.E, 3.4.6-8H , 3.1.6-8.L, 3.1.9-12.N

Squid Dissection

(45 minutes) Available April-September

During this hands-on lab, students will get the chance to explore the internal and external anatomy of a squid through dissection.  We will discuss squid anatomy and how squid are related to other cephalopods, like octopus and cuttlefish.  We will highlight special squid adaptations, including jet propulsion and camouflage, that allow squid to be such successful ocean predators.  Microscopes will be on hand to get an up-close look at some special features! State Standards 3.1.4.A, 3.1.4.B, 3.1.6-8.H, 3.1.9-12.B

Vertebrates

(45 minutes)

Explore the five vertebrate classifications by examining their similarities and differences. STEELS 3.1.4.A

 Learning Adventures for grades 7-12 can accommodate up to 25 students.

A Plan for Survival

(45 minutes)

This interactive program will focus on how zoos are helping to preserve the animals that are rapidly vanishing from our planet. Students will be introduced to the Species Survival Plans that zoos have designed and utilized in their worldwide efforts to preserve species such as Amur tigers, orangutans, and black rhinos. STEELS 3.1.6-8.L, 3.1.6-8.U, 3.1.9-12.M, 3.1.9-12.N

Gorillas on the Line

(45 minutes)

Gorillas on the Line is a national campaign aimed at turning e-waste like old cell phones and tablets into profit for gorilla conservation. Our program brings middle and high school students into the daily lives of gorillas, gives them the inside scoop on our troop, and discusses human impacts on their rainforest home. Students are encouraged to join our collection drive, contributing to environmental solutions at home and around the world. STEELS: 3.4.3-5.D, 3.4.6-8H, 3.3.9-12.O, 3.3.9-12.P, 3.4.9-12.A

One Degree of Change

(45 minutes)

Students will learn about the causes and effects of climate change, including how it impacts animals throughout the world. We’ll discuss Zoo conservation programs and present live animals. Throughout the program, students will be challenged to think about their own actions, and how individual actions can create positive environmental change. STEELS 3.3.4.D, 3.3.5.E, 3.3.6-8.O

Sea Turtles, Save Turtles!

(45 minutes)

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Second Change Program is helping sea turtles in a big way. Join us as we learn about some of the challenges sea turtles are facing and why it’s so important to work towards saving them. Whether you’re on a beach or miles away from the ocean you can do your part to help these beautiful creatures. If we all pitch in, imagine the ocean of possibilities. STEELS 3.3.5.E, 3.4.6-8H , 3.1.6-8.L, 3.1.9-12.N

Squid Dissection

(45 minutes) Available April-September

During this hands-on lab, students will get the chance to explore the internal and external anatomy of a squid through dissection.  We will discuss squid anatomy and how squid are related to other cephalopods, like octopus and cuttlefish.  We will highlight special squid adaptations, including jet propulsion and camouflage, that allow squid to be such successful ocean predators.  Microscopes will be on hand to get an up-close look at some special features! State Standards 3.1.4.A, 3.1.4.B, 3.1.6-8.H, 3.1.9-12.B

Zoo Life: The Inside Scoop

(1.5 hours)

Students will begin in the classroom to learn about the many careers available at the Zoo. Emphasis will be placed on animal related professions. Groups will then be led on a guided tour of the Zoo. This program is available September through April and requires a minimum of 15 students and a maximum of 40 students. PA College & Career Readiness Standards (13.1.11.A-H)

Summer Learning Adventures last 45 minutes and can accommodate groups of 15 or more students. Programs are available Monday through Friday from June 8th through August 14th and are appropriate for organized groups, such as scouts, schools, church groups, and camps. Programs can be scheduled between 1pm and 4pm.

Wonders of Wildlife

Discover fur, feathers, and scales in this introduction to some of the world’s most fascinating animals. We will use live animals to explore the physical characteristics of each animal while learning how they are uniquely adapted to their environments.

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium offers college students the opportunity to take an inside glimpse behind the scenes with our animals. Choose the program that best fits your needs.

Animal Encounters

This presentation will begin in the classroom where you will meet several of our animal ambassadors while learning how the Zoo supports conservation projects worldwide. Afterwards, you will get a first-hand look at
how we care for our animals by going behind the scenes at two animal exhibits. This program is conducted September through April only with a minimum of 15 students and a maximum of 40 students.