Onsite Programs for Schools

Educational Opportunities During Your School Group Visit 

The Tulsa Zoo is pleased to offer educational programs to schools and other related organizations. Programs for families and children should go to the Classes and Workshops section of the website.

1. To make the most of your zoo visit, we recommend you read Preparing Your Class For Their Zoo Visit.
   Please note: Zoo visits (admission into the zoo) MUST be scheduled through Tulsa Zoo Friends admissions by completing the online group reservation form.  You group’s admission to the zoo is separate from any programs or tours received through the education department.
   
2. Attend a short introductory program at the Helmerich Discovery Center.
   These programs are available for students in the 1st grade through college.  Before going out into the zoo, your students can attend a 20-30 minute introductory program.  Presentations are scheduled only October through April and include a live animal and hands-on biofacts (i.e. skeletons, skins, eggs, etc).  All programs can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the class.
   Program topics:  Zoo Careers, Animal Adaptations, Introduction to Vertebrates, and Endangered Species.
   
3. Attend a Live Animal Presentation.
   Regularly scheduled for 10:30 AM at the Helmerich Discovery Center, you may also schedule a private presentation for a group of 15-30 students.  These are offered September through March.  Reservations must be made at least 4 weeks in advance through the education department, though earlier reservations are recommended for busy months.
   
4. Reserve a Zoo Tour.
   Guided tours (1.5 hours) for 3rd grade through college classes can be scheduled June through March, weather permitting (no tours April or May).  Groups of 10-40 can be accommodated.  All school group tours can be modified to enhance specific study units, as well as the needs of the students. Reservations must be made at least 4 weeks in advance through the education department, though earlier reservations are recommended for busy months.
   
   Specialty Tour: 4th Grade Environmental Education Program – Survival is the Name of the Game
   Students are divided into groups and are guided by docents to four Ed-ZOO-cational stations. The goal of the 4th grade Environmental Education program is to help students to understand the following concepts: The natural world is made up of many “parts”, living and non-living that interact and are dependent on each other. The natural world, however, is always changing. Plants and animals respond to changes in their environment by adapting either with physical or behavioral changes.
   
5. Reserve a Specialty Program.
   Celebrate Oklahoma!  Participants tour the Oklahoma Room and the Oklahoma Trail, learning about Oklahoma's animals and ecoregions.  Available for 3rd-6th grades, September-March.  Reservations must be made at least 4 weeks in advance.  Call the education department for details.
   Africa Mystery Program:  Participants learn about African animals, the savanna and the Maasai village.  Participants also study four "scenes" to determine if they can apply what they learned to solve the mysteries.  Available for 4th-6th grades, September, October and March.  Reservations must be made at least four weeks in advance.

Contact the Education Department for details on any of these programs or activities at 918-669-6219 or e-mail us.