Teachers:

 Liven up your lesson plan with the Zoo’s exciting, hands-on, educational programs here at the Zoo, or we’ll bring the zoo to your classroom, auditorium or campus.  Inspire your students from Pre-K through college to learn about science, animals and the environment by choosing one of the many CT science standards-based programs we offer. Or, our educators will work with you to create a customized program. Find the best educational program for your students by clicking on the appropriate grade for topics.

Visit the Zoo

Field Trips: Explore the Zoo at your own pace with a fun-filled, self-guided field trip.
Click Here for More Information

Animal Encounters: Spark students’ interest in your school’s curriculum with a hands–on class at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.  Motivate and inspire your students with programs specifically designed to correlate to the Connecticut Core Science Standards. Find the best educational program for your students by clicking on the appropriate grade for topics.
*Start your class trip at one of the Zoo’s classrooms.
*Available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00pm
*30 minute program length
*Maximum class size 40 (students, teachers and chaperones)
*Each presentation is $80 plus Zoo group rate admission fee ($8 per person)
*Pre-payment is required to confirm your program
Download program date request form

Topics for Animal Encounters
Pre k - Grade 2
Grade 3 - 5
Grade 6 - 8
Grade 9 - 12
Post Secondary

Workshops: Investigate animals, nature and the environment with our exciting hands-on workshops.  Combining natural history, research and inquiry-based learning, your students will really enjoy “doing science” at the Zoo!
*Available Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm
*90 minute program length
*Maximum class size 30 students with 5 chaperones
*Geared towards students in the 4th through 8th grade
*Each workshop is $200 plus Zoo group rate admission fee ($8 per person)
*Pre-payment is required to confirm your program
Download workshop date request form 
Workshop Topics

Invite the Zoo to You**

Zoomobiles: Welcome our live animal ambassadors to your classroom or campus.  Give your class the advantage of a learning experience only living creatures can provide as they meet and touch amazing animals, examine rare artifacts and boost learning through Connecticut Core Science Standards based programs.  Find the best educational program for your students by clicking on the appropriate grade for topics.
*The Zoo travels to your facility for indoor education presentations
*Available Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
*45 minute to one hour program length (1/2 hour for pre-K)
*Maximum class size of 30 students (20 for pre-K)
*K – 12 $175 for 1 program, each additional program is $125
*Pre K (ages 3 - 4) up to 20 students, $130 for one 30 minute program, $175 for two 30 minute programs, $250 for three 30 minute programs, and $300 for four 30 minutes programs.
*Special need students $125/ one hour program
*Pre-payment is required to confirm your program
Download zoomobile date request form 

Topics for Zoomobiles
Pre K - Grade 2
Grade 3 - Grade 5
Grade 6 - Grade 8
Grade 9 - Grade 12
Post Secondary

Wild Assemblies: Provide an outstanding and interactive learning experience for your entire student body or large assembly group.  Our Wild Assemblies promote learning and improve retention of key concepts while introducing every member of your group to rare, beautiful and diverse species from across Connecticut and around the globe.
*Perfect for class assemblies and large groups
*Available Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
*45 minute to one hour program length
*Maximum group size of 500 people
*School must provide PA system
*$300 for groups up to 300 people, $400 for groups up to 400 people, $500 for groups up to 500 people
*Pre-payment is required to confirm your program
*Download wild assembly date request form
Wild Assembly Topics

Post Secondary Programming: Invite a guest lecturer to spice up your syllabus.  Our exotic expertise can supplement a variety of curricula.  Our staff can create a topic specific lecture with thrilling photographs straight from the field, museum quality artifacts and even a few living, breathing creatures.
*College level programs taught on campus or at the Zoo
*Available Tuesday through Friday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
*45 minute to one hour program length
*Maximum group size of 50 students
*$175 for 1 program
Download date request form
Lecture Topics

For larger audiences please see Wild Assemblies

Career Talks: Invite one of our Zoo educators to talk to your class about the many exciting and rewarding careers available at Zoos.  Our educators will discuss the requirements, education, and experience needed to obtain an animal related career.
*Available for middle, high school and college
*Available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00pm
*30 minute program length, educator only, no fee
*Over 30 minute program length with educator and animal ambassador: $175 for 1 program, each additional program is $125
*Pre-payment is required to confirm your program
Download date request form

** Mileage fee: $30 outside a 15 mile driving distance, $50 outside a 35 mile distance and $75 outside a 55 mile distance

Educational Resources

Scavenger Hunts