Activities in the Community - Visit the Zoo

Use guessing games to make your child think about structure and function. "Why do armadillos have small, bony plates that look like armor?" (To protect it from predators.) "Why does a seal have flippers?" (To swim and manuever through the water.) "Why do monkeys have such strong, long arms?" (To swing and climb in the trees.) "Why do zebras have stripes" (So they blend in with the herd, and it is harder for predators to pick out individual animals.) Make sure to give answers at the level appropriate to your childs age and understanding.

Children can learn about organization by seeing related animals. Have them compare the sizes, leg shapes, feet, ears, claws, feathers, or scales of various creatures. Ask them, "What do lions have in common with a house cat?" "How are they different?" "Does the gorilla look like the chimpanzee?"

Discuss the trip ahead of time. What will they see and do at the zoo? Some young or insecure children may be worried about food, water fountains, or bathrooms.

Don't try to see everything in one visit.Visit zoos at off times or hours, for example, very early Saturday morning, or during the winter. The zoo will be less crowded and children can get a better veiw of the animals.

Look for special exhibits and facilities for children, such as petting zoos, where you can see and touch the animals.

Do some follow-up activities. For example, a child who liked the peacocks and parrots can build a bird house and maybe start a bird-watching hobby.

Get quick and easy science projects with step by step directions.