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Groups Guided by Pros.
Bring your group of any type to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for an in-depth tour with a knowledgeable Zoo Docent. Choose from a variety of educational tours and exciting safaris, any time of the year, for a one-of-a-kind learning experience. Docent tours are available to any age groups, focusing primarily on school age children's curriculum needs.
Cost
$5 during the fall season
$5.50 during the spring season
(includes a $0.25 donation to Quarters for Conservation)
(see other pricing for school children below)
One free adult per group.
Scholarships are available for Title 1 schools.
To Schedule Contact
Jeanie Baratono, phone 719.579.8511 or email jbaratono@q.com
Primary Group Programs - Grades K-2
Students can enjoy a variety of Zoopeteer classroom presentations or slide presentations that introduce them to the exciting world of animals. These programs are offered November through March only, with limited availability.
- A Classroom Safari is a slide presentation that introduces students the exciting world of animals.
- Zoopeteers - puppeteers perform a variety of educational "animal puppet" classroom presentations:
- "Bear Cub is Lost"
- "What's My Habitat?"
- "Home for Polar Bear"
- "The Artic"
- "The Brave Little Tree Frog"
- "Colorado Life Zones"
Please schedule as early as possible; availability and times are limited.
Program Time
20-30 minutes for classroom safari slides, 30-40 minutes for Zoopeteer classroom presentations.
Cost
Free (student or adult), donations are gratefully accepted.
To Schedule Contact
Gina Bryant, 719-495-4813, ginacbryant @yahoo.com
Docent Led Tours & Safaris - Grades 2 & Up
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Auxiliary offers educational programs that address Colorado Content Standards, specifically Life Science standard 3 and Geography Standards 1, 2, and 6. Program packages for Grades 2 and up include a Classroom Safari Powerpoint or slide presentation, a vocabulary and concept list, and a 1.5 hour tour of the Zoo. Introduction and emphasis on the program theme is first provided with the Classroom Safari and then followed with a Zoo tour. Programs are adjusted to meet your curriculum and grade level.
Time
See specific safari/tour listing. There are no programs offered on Wednesdays. Zoo tours are normally scheduled 4-7 days after the Classroom Safari.
Cost
April - June $5.50 each per student, teacher or adult, with one adult free with each group of 8-10 students.
July - March $5.00 each per student, teacher or adult, with one adult free with each group of 8-10 students..
To Schedule Contact
Jeanie Baratono, phone 719.579.8511 or email jbaratono@q.com
View the Classroom Safaris and Zoo Tours list details below.
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Grades 2 and Up
Experience The African Rift Valley
This tour focuses on the animals and ecosystems of the African Rift Valley (ARV) and on the Maasai culture. Unique features of the ARV - such as kopjes, baobab trees, water holes, soda lakes and savannah - are discussed. Behavior and structure are important in determining a species' ability to survive in these varied ecosystems. Human impact on this environment is explored through Maasai culture, ecotourism and illegal activities. Included are the opportunities to feed giraffe and experience bio-facts and understand the consequences of poaching.
Classroom Safari:
45-60 minutes, includes hands-on bio facts exhibit
Zoo On-Site Tour:
90 minutes, scheduled 4-7 days after Classroom Safari
Ratio:
7-8 students per Docent-led tour group at the Zoo
ED Standards:
Science Standards 3.1, 3.2 & 3.4, Geography Standards 1.1, 2, 3.1, 5.2, & 6.1
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Grades 3 & Up
Amazing Mammals
This topic covers mammal characteristics specifically emphasizing basic needs, adaptations and habits of carnivores, omnivores and herbivores, including comparative behaviors between nocturnal and diurnal mammals. As specialized vocabulary is necessary to understand these characteristics, behaviors and relationships, it is important for students to become familiar with the terms prior to their visit in order to better understand the tour.
Classroom Safari:
45-60 minutes, includes hands-on bio facts & slides
Zoo On-Site Tour:
90 minutes, scheduled 4-7 days after Classroom Safari
Ratio:
8-10 students per Docent-led tour group
ED Standards:
Life Science Standards 3.1 & 3.4
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Grades 4 and Up
Colorado Wild
This theme introduces a variety of plant and animal life in Colorado. Summary of life zones is stressed, including identifying and describing local regions, their patterns and distributions. It includes how animals interact with their environment. Observe Colorado animals interacting with their environment in the Zoo's new Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit. We will also discuss human impact on our state's wild places and wildlife. This tour compliments the fourth grade study of the State of Colorado.
Classroom Safari:
45-60 minutes, includes hands-on bio facts & slides
Zoo On-Site Tour:
90 minutes, scheduled 4-7 days after Classroom Safari
Ratio:
8-10 students per Docent-led tour group
ED Standards:
Science Standards 3.1m Geography Standards 2 & 3.2.
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Grades 5 and Up
Ecology - The Study of Our Environment
This theme emphasizes the importance of food chains and webs as well as the interaction and interdependence of living and non-living organisms within their respective environments. Examples are also provided for contrast and comparison of food webs within different ecosystems, in addition to the role of various decomposers in the life cycle. Students will understand a variety of worldwide ecosystems, their patterns and distribution. Fits 5th grade science kit unit, Ecosystems perfectly.
Classroom Safari:
45-60 minutes slides
Zoo On-Site Tour:
90 minutes, scheduled 4-7 days after Classroom Safari
Ratio:
8-10 students per Docent-led tour group
ED Standards:
Colorado Life Science Standards 3.1 & 3.2 , Geography Standard 3.2
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Grades 6 and Up
Zoogeography
The program focuses on the worldwide distribution of animals, the ecosystems in which they live and the influence of the earth's climatic conditions on this distribution. Scientific principles are used to explain factors that contribute to animal diversity and adaptations.
Classroom Safari:
50-60 minutes
Zoo On-Site Tour:
90 minutes, scheduled 4-7 days after Classroom Safari
Ratio:
8-10 students per Docent-led tour group
ED Standards:
Science Standards 3.1 & 3.2, Geography Standard 1.1 (maps) & 3.2 (ecosystems)
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Grades 9 and Up
Endangered Species
This theme includes examples of biological, evolutionary and genetic reasons for the term "endangered species." Discussion may include how the rate of environmental change may lead to the extinction of animals. Possible solutions and examples of successful programs at Zoo facilities , such as breeding and reintroduction are emphasized. CMZoo participation in AZA Species Survival Plans (SSPs) includes approximately 50 threatened and endangered animal species.
Classroom Safari:
50-60 minutes, includes hands-on bio facts & slides
Zoo On-Site Tour:
90-120 minutes, scheduled 4-7 days after Classroom Safari
Ratio:
8-10 students per Docent-led tour group
ED Standards:
Science Standards 3.1 & 3.4, Geography Standards 1.1, 4.1, & 6.2
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Grades 10 and Up
Advanced Mammal Biology
As we visit some of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's animals we will discuss physiological and structural systems in greater depth than in the Amazing Mammals tour. We will also cover behavioral adaptations for survival in a variety of ecosystems. Classification of animals into taxonomic groups is largely dependent on the structural similiarities we will see. Advances of scientific research are steadily clarifying the relationships of species to each other.
Classroom Safari:
No safari available, vocabulary list sent
Zoo On-Site Tour:
90 minutes
Ratio:
8-10 students per Docent-led tour group
ED Standards:
Science Standards 3.1 & 3.3
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Special Tours
Special Tours
Planning a special topic for a Zoo tour? We can focus on Primates, Birds, Cats or design something special to fit your course of study. Please call and ask, we will be happy to work with you!
Jeanie Baratono, phone 719.579.8511 or email jbaratono@q.com
