Get your students out of the classroom and engage them in science learning at any number of fascinating and fun Chicago area locations. Many institutions can offer field trip materials that help fulfill the Illinois Science Learning Standards.
- Field Trip Programs
- Student Tours
- Chicago River exploration
- Turtle Tales
- Discover Safari
- All Living Things
- Metamorphosing Monarchs
- Migrating Monarchs
- My Life as a Tree
- Animal Olympics
- Munchline Monitors
- Pollination Partners
- Weather or Not
- E-Rode Challenge
- Water Quality
- Owl Pellet Dissection
- Insect Investigators
- Microscopic Forensics
- Habitat Hunters
- Adaptation Adventurers
- Lakeshore Biology
- Lakeshore Ecology
- Permanent Exhibitions
- Lab Guides
- DNA Discovery Center
- Evolving Planet
- Underground Adventure
- Crown Family PlayLab
- School Science Programs
- MSI Crime Lab
- MSI Evidence Lab
- MSI City Science: Building Bridges Learning Lab
- MSI Renewable Energy Learning Lab
- MSI Simple Machines Learning Lab
- MSI Submarine Science Learning Lab
- MSI Testing the Waters Learning Lab
- MSI Life Begins Learning Lab
- Animals in Action
- Color Counts
- Happenin' Habitats
- Shedd Turtle Tales
- Science of Sharks
- Fish Files
- Whales: Cetacean Challenge
- Chicago Botanic Garden
Zoo Field Trips
- Critter Coverings I
- Critter Coverings II
- Dinosaurs of All Shapes and Sizes
- Animal Encounters
- Seasonal Wildlife Festivals
- Bears
- Giraffes - Head to Toe
- Animals That Fly
- Animal Adaptations
- Dinosaurs Across the Ages
- Animal Bites
- Desert Communities
- Nature Hikes
- Africa: The Land, The People, The Animals
- Science Inquiry
- Dinosaur Forensics
- Return of the Wolves
- Conservation: Air
- Conservation: Water
- Conservation: Earth
- Endangered! Primate Populations
- Water Quality
- Animal Training and Enrichment
- Zoo Careers
- Behind the Design of Zoo Exhibits
- Species Survival Plans (SSP)
- Owls
- Bears
- The Scoop On Poop!
- Frogs
- Local Habits
- Birds
- Pinnipeds
Field Trip Programs
Enhance science learning for school-age children by providing materials, hands-on activities and experiences.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: All Ages
Science Topic: Astronomy, Biology
Partner: Adler Classroom Connections in Earth and Space Science ACCESS
Location: The Adler Planetarium
Telephone: (312) 294-0364
More information: http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/education/fieldtrips/index.shtml
Student Tours
Fermilab is hosting tours for student groups at their laboratory and facility. You'll spend two hours viewing the various displays housed on the 15th floor, tour one of the world's most powerful particle accelerators, and the Main Control Room. Get a unique glimpse inside this high-tech facility that remains a powerhouse for scientific discovery in the Chicago area. By appointment only.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 13 years old and up
Partner: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Time: By Appointment
Location: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Telephone: (630) 840-3000
Chicago River Exploration
Learn about chemical and biological monitoring of the Chicago River
Audience: Educators/Students
Age Appropriateness: 5 and up
Science Topic: Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry
Partner: Friends of the Chicago River
Date(s): N/A
Location: Anywhere within Chicago River watershed
Telephone: (312) 939-0490 ext. 11
More information: http://www.chicagoriver.org/education/
Turtle Tales
Students role play a day in the life of a turtle, searching for food, water, and shelter.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Under 5
Science Topic: Biology
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Discover Safari
Students discover nature's wild sights, sounds, tickles, and sniffs.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Under 5
Partner: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
All Living Things
Students answer riddles and participate in activities that help them to understand that all living things eat, breathe, and grow.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 5 to 8 years old
Science Topic: Biology
Partner: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Metamorphosing Monarchs
Students discover metamorphosis and create a butterfly lifecycle model to take home.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 5 to 8 years old
Science Topic: Biology
Partner: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Migrating Monarchs
Students will participate in the seasonal encounters the Monarch faces as it travels to Mexico.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 5 to 8 years old
Science Topic: Biology
Partner: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
My Life as a Tree
Students compare tree leaves and learn the functions of tree parts.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 5 to 8 years old
Science Topic: Biology
Partner: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Animal Olympics
Students participate in the Olympic trials where animal adaptations are put to the test.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9 to 11 years old
Science Topic: Biology
Partner: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Munchline Monitors
Students become Munchline Monitors and participate in activities that follow the flow of sunlight energy through a food chain.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9 to 11 years old
Science Topic: Biology, Environmental Science
Partner: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Pollination Partners
Students dissect flowers to learn about the life cycle of a plant.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9 to 11 years old
Science Topic: Biology
Partner: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Weather or Not
Students learn the skills needed to interpret data to forecast weather.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9 to 11 years old
Science Topic: Biology
Partner: Earth Science, Environmental Science
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
E-Rode Challenge
Work in teams to build streams, lakes, and dams while learning about the dynamics of stream flow and erosion.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 12 to 14 years old, 14 to 18 years old
Science Topic: Biology
Partner: Earth Science, Environmental Science
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Water Quality
Learn collection and identification techniques and the values associated with water monitoring.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 12 to 14 years old, 14 to 18 years old
Science Topic: Biology
Partner: Earth Science, Environmental Science
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Owl Pellet Dissection
While dissecting owl pellets (requrgitated balls of fur and bones), students learn about food chains.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 12 to 14 years old, 14 to 18 years old
Science Topic: Biology
Partner: Earth Science, Environmental Science
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Insect Investigators
Through the use of microscopes and insect parts found at the scene of the crime, students will help uncover who took the pollen from the flower.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 12 to 14 years old
Science Topic: Biology
Partner: Biology
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Microscopic Forensics
Through the use of microscopes and the preparation of wet and dry mounts, students uncover who committed the crime.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 14 to 18 years old
Science Topic: Biology
Partner: Biology
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Habitat Hunters
Discover that all living creatures need water, food, shelter and space to survive in their habitats.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 5 to 8 years old
Science Topic: Biology, Environmental Science
Partner: Biology
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Adaptation Adventurers
Travel through the Museum, meet resident animals, and learn about their special characteristics.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9 to 11 years old
Science Topic: Biology, Environmental Science
Partner: Biology
Location: Nature Museum
Telephone: 773-755-5100
More information: http://www.naturemuseum.org/education
Lakeshore Biology
You don't need to travel far to become a lakeshore biologist...Get your hands wet and explore the Shedd Aquarium's very own backyard! Students will use basic and technological equipment to assess the water quality of Lake Michigan while learning about the greater ecosystem and environment. Investigate the connections between weather, plants, wildlife and people as you become a hands-on scientific researcher! To register, click on the link below.
Audience: Students (grade 6-8)
Age Appropriateness: 9 years old and up
Science Topic: Biology, Environmental Science, Water Quality, Ecosystems
Partner: Shedd Aquarium
Location: Shedd Aquarium
More information: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/schoolgroup_programlistings.html
Lakeshore Ecology
Interested in learning about bodies of freshwater and their importance to the environment and society? Look no further than Shedd Aquarium's very own backyard for a chance to become a freshwater ecologist on the shores of Lake Michigan. Collect and analyze data using scientific instruments to help with Shedd’s own conservation efforts and learn about the economics and policies surrounding this precious natural resource. To register, click on the link below.
Audience: Students grade 9-12
Age Appropriateness: 13 years old and up
Science Topic: Freshwater Ecology
Partner: Shedd Aquarium
Location: Shedd Aquarium
More information: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/schoolgroup_programlistings.html
Permanent Exhibitions
Find out about all the exciting exhibitions at The Field Museum--from towering dinosaurs, fantastic animal displays, to cultural exhibitions from around the world; including Evolving Planet, DNA Discovery Center, The Ancient Americas, Crown Family PlayLab.
Audience: All
Age Appropriateness: All Ages
Science Topic: Biology, Earth Science, Anthropology
Date(s): from 7/1/08
Location: The Field Museum
More information: http://www.www.fieldmuseum.org
Lab Guides
Lab Guides provide tools to help teachers make the most of their field trip, including key vocabulary, a list of IL Learning Standards addressed by the Lab, important things to remember on the day of the visit, and additional activity and resources to facilitate further exploration in the classroom.
Audience: Educators
Age Appropriateness: 5-8, 9-11, 12-15
Science Topic: Physical science, Life science, environmental science
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/learning-labs/ " target="_blank"> http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/learning-labs/
DNA Discovery Center
Discover what DNA is, how it works and what it can tell us about ourselves and other living things; this new permanent exhibition lets you observe--and sometimes talk with--scientists as they investigate the world's biodiversity in a state-of-the-art genetics lab; visit the DNA Discovery Center web site for useful information and to download a corresponding educator guide.
Audience: All
Age Appropriateness: All Ages
Science Topic: Biology
Partner: The Field Museum
Date(s): from 7/1/08
Location: The Field Museum
More information: http://www.fieldmuseum.org/dna
Evolving Planet
Take an awe-inspiring journey through four billion years of life on Earth, from single-celled organisms to towering dinosaurs and our extended human family; visit the Evolving Planet web site for useful information and to download a corresponding educator guide.
Audience: All
Age Appropriateness: All Ages
Science Topic: Earth Science, Biology
Partner: The Field Museum
Date(s): from 7/1/08
Location: The Field Museum
More information: http://www.fieldmuseum.org/evolvingplanet
Underground Adventure
There's more to soil than meets the eye! Take an adventure to explore the world beneath your feet in this immersive exhibition; visit the Underground Adventure web site for useful information and to download related resources.
Audience: All
Age Appropriateness: All Ages
Science Topic: Earth Science, Biology
Partner: The Field Museum
Date(s): from 7/1/08
Location: The Field Museum
More information: http://www.fieldmuseum.org/undergroundadventure
Crown Family PlayLab
Little explorers have their own place in a big museum! Dig up dinosaur bones, grind corn in a pueblo, make music with instruments from around the world, and lots more; visit the PlayLab web site for more information and activities.
Audience: All
Age Appropriateness: Under 5
Science Topic: Biology, Earth Science, Anthropology
Partner: The Field Museum
Date(s): from 7/1/08
Location: The Field Museum
More information: http://www.fieldmuseum.org/playlab
School Science Programs
Improve science literacy and help bring a better understanding of nature into your classroom with science programs at The Morton Arboretum. Our programs are discovery-based and include exploration of our wonderful 1,700 acre facility which includes woodland, wetland and prairie ecosystems. We offer guided, self-guided and lab options for kindergarten through high school classrooms.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 5 to 18 years old
Science Topic: Biology, Soil Science
Partner: Morton Arboretum
Date(s): from 8/8/08
Location: The Morton Arboretum
Telephone: 630-719-2468
More information: http://www.mortonarb.org/main.taf?p=4,4
MSI Crime Lab
4th - 8th grade students use forensic science techniques to solve a crime that has occurred at the Museum. Investigative teams analyze crime scene evidence using fingerprint analysis, chromatography, white powder analysis and microscopy techniques.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9-11, 12-14
Science Topic: Forensic science, science proceses, careers in science
Fee: $90 per class
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
When: 10:15am-11:15am and 11:45am-12:45pm, Tuesday - Friday 10/11/08 thru 6/12/09
Date: from 10/11/08
Time: 10:15-11:15AM
Location: 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive - Museum classroom
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/field-trip-worksheet
MSI Evidence Lab
8th-12th grade students are immersed in the world of crime scene investigation and the use hands-on forensic science techniques such as DNA analysis, blood spatter analysis and trace evidence analysis to solve a crime.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 12-14, 14-18
Science Topic: Forensic science, science proceses, careers in science
Fee: $90 per class
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
When: 10:15am-11:15am and 11:45am-12:45pm, Tuesday - Friday 10/11/08 thru 6/12/09
Date: from 10/11/08
Time: 10:15-11:15AM
Location: 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive - Museum classroom
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/field-trip-worksheet
MSI City Science: Building Bridges Learning Lab
4th-8th grade students learn about the basics of structural design as they design, build and test bridges all while exploring potential careers.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9-11, 12-14
Science Topic: Engineering, science processes, careers in science
Fee: $90
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
When: 10:15am-11:15am and 11:45am-12:45pm, Tuesday - Friday 10/11/08 thru 6/12/9
Location: 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive - Museum Classroom
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/field-trip-worksheet
MSI Renewable Energy Learning Lab
6th-10 grade students engage in hands-on activities to explore new technology, specifically hydrogen fuel cell cars, and discover how some of the latest renewable energy sources work.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9-11, 12-14
Science Topic: Alternative energy resources, science processes
Fee: $90
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
When: 10:15am-11:15am and 11:45am-12:45pm, Tuesday - Friday 10/11/08 - 6/12/9
Location: 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive - Museum Classroom
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/field-trip-worksheet
MSI Simple Machines Learning Lab
3rd-6th grade students learn important concepts about energy, work and simple machines as they engage in hands-on activities and demonstrations.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 5-8, 9-11, 12-14
Science Topic: Force, work, simple machines, science process skills
Fee: $90
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
When: 10:15am-11:15am and 11:45am-12:45pm, Tuesday - Friday 10/11/08 thru 6/12/9
Location: 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive - Museum Classroom
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/field-trip-worksheet
MSI Submarine Science Learning Lab
4th-7th grade students explore the science and history behind the U-505 submarine through hands-on activities and a guided tour of the sub.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9-11, 12-14
Science Topic: Bouyacy, density, engineering, science processes, careers in science
Fee: $90
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
When: 10 am, Tuesday - Friday 10/11/08 thru 6/12/9
Location: 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive - Museum Classroom
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/field-trip-worksheet
MSI Testing the Waters Learning Lab
4th-8th grade students become environmental scienctists as they analyze the health of a Chicago-area water source. Students work in teams to explore the watershedand use environmental science methods to determine the quality of water samples.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9-11, 12-14
Science Topic: Environmental science, water quality, science processes, careers in science
Fee: $90
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
When: 10:15am-11:15am and 11:45am-12:45pm, Tuesday - Friday 10/11/08 thru 6/12/9
Location: 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive - Museum Classroom
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/field-trip-worksheet
MSI Life Begins Learning Lab
5th grade students explore the topic of puberty, reproduction. Prenatal development and the birth of a baby. This program is offered in partnership with the Robert Crown Center for Health Education.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9-11
Science Topic: puberty, reproducation
Fee: $90
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
When: 10:15am-11:15am and 11:45am-12:45pm, Tuesday - Friday 10/11/08 thru 6/12/9
Location: 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive - Museum Classroom
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/field-trip-worksheet
Animals in Action
Investigate the what and why behind aquatic animal movement. From fishes to sea stars, turtles to crabs, students explore the peculiar ways these animals navigate the seas.
Audience: Students grades K-2
Age Appropriateness: 5 to 8 years old
Science Topic: Biology/Animal Science
Partner: Shedd Aquarium
Location: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Schedule: Recurring Dates
More information: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/schoolgroup_proramlistings.html
Color Counts
Who goes there? Put yourself in an animal's colors to explore the role that camouflage plays in the living world. Investigate the surprising reasons why aquatic animals look the way they do.
Audience: Students grades K-2
Age Appropriateness: 5 to 8 years old
Science Topic: Biology/Animal Science
Partner: Shedd Aquarium
Location: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Schedule: Recurring Dates
More information: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/schoolgroup_proramlistings.html
Happenin' Habitats
Learn how animals are adapted to their homes by meeting a few of Shedd's animals up close. Through investigations and problem-solving, students team up to complete their own habitat.
Audience: Students grades K-2
Age Appropriateness: 5 to 8 years old
Science Topic: Biology/Animal Science
Partner: Shedd Aquarium
Location: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Schedule: Recurring Dates
More information: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/schoolgroup_proramlistings.html
Shedd Turtle Tales
Discover the underwater world of turtles. Witness what shuffling in a shell is really like by investigating the life cycle of a turtle from hatchling to adult, then acting out the process for yourself.
Audience: Students grades K-2
Age Appropriateness: 5 to 8 years old
Science Topic: Biology/Animal Science
Partner: Shedd Aquarium
Location: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Schedule: Recurring Dates
More information: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/schoolgroup_proramlistings.html
Science of Sharks
Go on an adventure to unlock the many mysteries of sharks. Take an in-depth look at Shedd's very own sharks to investigate how, from heat to tail, these animals are built for survival.
Audience: Students grades 3-5
Age Appropriateness: 8 to 11 years old
Science Topic: Biology/Animal Science
Partner: Shedd Aquarium
Location: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Schedule: Recurring Dates
More information: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/schoolgroup_proramlistings.html
Fish Files
Dive in to uncover the unique characteristics of fishes. Collect evidence and perform experiments to reveal why distinctly different fish are built for their sorroundings.
Audience: Students grades 3-5
Age Appropriateness: 8 to 11 years old
Science Topic: Biology/Animal Science
Partner: Shedd Aquarium
Location: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Schedule: Recurring Dates
More information: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/schoolgroup_proramlistings.html
Whales: Cetacean Challange
Discover the wonderful world of whales! Explore the many similarities of and differences among members of this diverse group of animals through hands-on investigation.
Audience: Students grades 3-5
Age Appropriateness: 8 to 11 years old
Science Topic: Biology/Animal Science
Partner: Shedd Aquarium
Location: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Schedule: Recurring Dates
More information: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/schoolgroup_proramlistings.html
Chicago Botanic Garden
Enrich your curriculum and share the beauty of nature with your students with guided field trips at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Enhance or focus studies with our guided field trips.
Guided field trip programs at the Chicago Botanic Garden are led by trained volunteer facilitators to allow for a meaningful learning experience. They support IL Learning Standards in science, language arts, math, health, and social studies and utilize active garden experiences to engage students in cross-curricular investigations.
Grade appropriate tours are offered seasonally in tracks for grades PreK-12. For detailed program information please visit http://www.chicagobotanic.org/explorations/ataglance
Audience: Students grades Prek-12
Age Appropriateness: 5 to 18 years old
Science Topic: Plant Science
Partner: Chicago Botanic Garden
Location: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe IL, 60022
Schedule: Recurring Dates
Critter Coverings I
If you want to sort animals, think of coverings! Visit Brookfield Zoo to learn how to recognize and categorize mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Hands-on activities, songs, and contact with live animals will help your students learn to sort animal groups.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Pre-K only
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Critter Coverings II
If you want to sort animals, think of coverings! Visit Brookfield Zoo to learn how to recognize and categorize mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Hands-on activities, songs, and contact with live animals will help your students learn to sort animal groups.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Kindergarten and 1st grade.
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Animal Encounters
During this indoor class, students will meet and touch live animals. Information will be adjusted for the ages of students. The children’s interests and questions will guide a discussion about animals’ features, how they are alike and how they are different. Students will meet two animals during the class.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Pre-K through 3rd grade
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Year round, daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.00 per student, adult chaperones free
Seasonal Wildlife Festivals
Engage and delight students with a seasonal celebration! Festivals are 50-minute, instructor-led programs that include a presentation, exploration stations, and more! Find out how animals adapt to each season and touch animal artifacts. Students will also meet a live animal.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades K through 3
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Bears
In Brookfield Zoo’s Bears class, students will investigate artifacts and compare themselves to bears. After an introduction to bears, students will follow their instructor to the Bear Grottos at Brookfield Zoo to talk about our live bears. Please remember to dress for the weather.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades Pre-K - K
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Giraffes - Head to Toe
Come learn why giraffes are "head and shoulders above the rest!" Giraffe artifacts and engaging activities will help students see how they measure up to this tallest of land animals. A chance to observe Brookfield Zoo’s giraffes will top off the day. Please remember to dress for the weather.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades K through 2.
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Animals That Fly
Birds are not the only animals that fly. Learn about bats, insects, and other flying animals, and how they move through the air. Students will use artifacts and hands-on activities to discover more about the mechanics of flying.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 1 and 2
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Animal Adaptations
What makes the "perfect animal"? Students will have the opportunity to find out as they build their own animals, touch animal artifacts, and meet a Brookfield Zoo animal up close and personal. After class, students and their chaperones can explore the park to find.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 1 and 2
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Dinosaurs Across the Ages
Move through time as you follow the progression of dinosaurs throughout the ages. March through the Mesozoic Era and visit dinosaurs from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 2 - 4
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Animal Bites
Learn more about what different animals eat by exploring their teeth. Using observation, games, and hands-on activities, students will learn to sort animals into groups based on the foods they eat. Your students will have the opportunity to use real animal skulls to practice identifying herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 2 and 3
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Desert Communities
Did you know that deserts get cold at night and teem with color and life? Your students will find out what’s so hot about deserts when they use inquiry to conduct experiments and meet a live desert animal. After your hands-on class, you are invited to take your students to The Fragile Kingdom where they will see first-hand what they have learned.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 3 and 4
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Nature Hikes
Held outside at Brookfield Zoo’s Indian Lake, this class allows students to explore the woods and lake area to find evidence of local animals, their homes, and other activity in nature. There will be hands-on opportunities with animal artifacts. Please remember to dress for the weather.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 1 through 8
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Africa: The Land, The People, The Animals
Come build an Mbuti dwelling, wear Maasai jewelry, and identify Gabbra household items. The awe and wonder of Africa await your students as they engage in these hands-on activities. Investigate three human cultures surviving in three diverse ecosystems: the rain forest, the savannah, and the desert. After your class, you are invited to visit Africa's most famous animal ambassadors: gorillas, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, meerkats, and more, all awaiting you at Brookfield Zoo.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 4 though 6
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Science Inquiry
Students are engaged in hands-on activities as they explore the inquiry method of learning. During this two-hour class, they will learn to develop comparative questions, gather data, and make presentations of their findings. The topics will vary. The class includes a visit to an exhibit to investigate animals and habitats. Please remember to dress for the weather.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 4 through 12
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $6.50 per student, adult chaperones free. This class is 2 hours in length.
Dinosaur Forensics
What happened to the dinosaurs? Are there any still around today? Come prepared to think like a scientist. Explore dinosaur extinction theories and learn how scientists piece together the mysteries of the past.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 5 through 8
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Return of the Wolves
This class focuses on Brookfield Zoo’s Mexican gray wolves. Students will have the opportunity to explore Regenstein Wolf Woods and "hunt down" information. They will work in "expert teams" to learn more about these animals, their lifestyles, and conservation efforts for the wolves. Please remember to dress for the weather.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 6 through 8
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Conservation: Air
Is global climate change really an issue? What does it have to do with wildlife? With me? Do my daily activities make a difference? Students will explore these issues as they investigate the carbon cycle, carbon emissions, and their impact on the planet. As students make decisions and negotiate priority actions for school and the bigger world, they will gain familiarity with the major issues affecting global climate change.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 6 through 8
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Conservation: Water
Water quality and conservation are important awareness issues for today’s students. In this class, students will learn about where their water comes from, investigate their own water usage, and estimate the impact of water usage in their schools and in the Chicagoland area. Your students will leave with a better understanding of their own ecological footprints, as well as some ideas for reducing their schools’ and families’ water usage.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 6 through 8
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Conservation: Earth
Think globally and act locally! Each day, humans consume more resources than we replace. What would it take to reduce the size of your ecological footprint? Students will investigate the effects of wasting natural resources and then start taking steps twoard raising their own environmental awareness.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 6 through 8
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Water Quality
Water, water everywhere—but is it safe for the animals that depend upon it? How can we find out? Come to Brookfield Zoo to learn how to take water samples, measure what’s in the water, and then determine whether it’s suitable for the fish, frogs and other animals that live in or near the water. Students should come dressed to spend time outdoors drawing water samples. Please remember to dress for the weather.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 6 through 12
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $6.00 per student, adult chaperones free. THIS IS A 1 1/2 HRS. CLASS
Animal Training and Enrichment
We feed the bodies and minds of zoo animals. The animals become the students when we teach them how to participate in their own care. Discover how ordinary items such as pumplins become teaching tools and how you can also enrich the lives of your pets.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 4 through 12
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Zoo Careers
"I love art!" "I like cooking!" "I want to be a dentist!" "I want to work at the zoo." Brookfield Zoo employs over 1,000 animal lovers - but they don't all work with animals. Come learn abouat the many jobs at Brookfield Zoo, all of which help make the zoo a world-class operation.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 4 through 12
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Behind the Design of Zoo Exhibits
“I love art!” “I like cooking!” “I want to be a dentist!” "I want to work at the zoo." Brookfield Zoo employs over 1,000 animal lovers - but they don't all work with animals. Come learn abouat the many jobs at Brookfield Zoo, all of which help make the zoo a world-class operation.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 4 through 12
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Species Survival Plans (SSP)
Zoos to the rescue! We all know zoos help endangered animals, but how? And which ones? Explore all the angles when you meet an animal expert at the zoo, and get in touch with some real artifacts from endangered animals. Teachers choose to focus the talk on either Humboldt penguins, golden lion tamarins, or okapi.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 4 through 12
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Owls
Owls, owls everywhere! Come learn about them all at Brookfield Zoo. From Screech Owls to Horned Owls, from Barn Owls to Burrowing owls. "Owl" bae seeing you at Brookfield Zoo. Whoo-hoo!
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 4 through 12
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Bears
Do bears really hibernate in the winter? Come learn this and much more while exploring the eight types of bears in the world. How are they alike? How are they different? Get to the BEAR-bottom of these questions and more when you take Brookfield Zoo's Bears talk.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 4 through 12
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
The Scoop On Poop!
There’s more to poop than meets the eye…or the nose! Discover the many benefits of this natural substance. You may think of poop in a whole new way!
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 4 through 12
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Frogs
Join us in celebrating frogs and all other amphibians. Discover what makes these animals so amazing and why they are an improtant indicator of the Earth's health.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 4 through 12
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Local Habits
Right here, in and around Chicago, are patches of landthat are home to thousands of native species of plants and animals. These are some of the rarest natural communities on earth! Learn about the prairies, savannas, forests, and wetlands that share the area with us.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 4 through 12
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Birds
All birds have feathers, but what else makes a bird a bird? Learn about the special characteristics that set these animals apart from others. Then discover some amazing things about the lives of birds from different habitats.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 4 through 12
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
Pinnipeds
Which marine mammals are known as our “fin-footed” friends? Sealions, seals and walruses - oh my! Come to Brookfield Zoo's Pinnipeds Talk and learn about our fin-footed friends.
Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: Grades 4 through 12
Science Topic: Life Sciences, Animal Science
Partner: Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Date(s): Daily, Monday through Friday
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Telephone: 708-688-8367
Fee: $4.50 per student, adult chaperones free
