To make a reservation, call (708) 688-8372.

Ready for a change of pace? Take a teacher workshop at Brookfield Zoo!

Our expert educators will inform, entertain, and engage you as you explore a wide range of topics. The following classes carry ISBE credit (at no additional charge) for teacher recertification, and many provide optional college credit (for an additional fee).

Participants will receive a list of the corresponding Illinois State Standards for each class. For class lists, Illinois State Standards, and descriptions, check below, call Lanis Petrik at (708) 688-8372, or e-mail lanis.petrik@czs.org. Teachers outside suggested grade levels may attend and adapt materials for their own use.

Spring Lecture Series

Our Spring Lecture Series Highlights Education, Children and Nature.
All programs are held at Brookfield Zoo unless otherwise indicated.

Brookfield Zoo’s Spring Lecture Series brings national leaders in education, nature, and children to you. All lectures start at 7:30 p.m. The March lecture will be held at Riverside Brookfield High School and the remaining two will be held in Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center. Prices are as follows: $13 for members, $16 for non-members with a $6 discount if you sign-up for all three. To register, call 708-688-8971 or visit www.czs.org/events.  

Ecological Identity In Childhood
Dr. Ruth Wilson
Tuesday, April 14
Our relationship with the natural world begins in childhood and plays a key role in shaping our identity. Dr. Ruth Wilson, whose published books include Fostering a Sense of Wonder during the Early Childhood Years and who has been involved in young children’s environmental education for over 20 years, will present approaches for how adults can support children in developing a healthy relationship with the natural world. 

Growing Child-Friendly Nature Spaces
Dr. Robin Moore and Dr. Nilda Cosco
Wednesday, May 20
Renowned landscape architect and design researcher Dr. Robin Moore and educational psychologist Dr. Nilda Cosco are the leading experts in integrating environmental design and child development. As the cofounders of the Natural Learning Initiative at North Carolina State University, they have collaborated with educators, designers, play leaders, community planners, and politicians to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Together, they will discuss strategies for creating nature play spaces in parks, neighborhoods, playgrounds, and schoolyards.


2008-2009 Brookfield Zoo Teacher Classes

 Planning Animal Homes
April 17 (4:30 to 10:00 p.m.) and April 18 (8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.), Grades 3-10, $140, 1 optional graduate science credit ($115, through Benedictine University), CPS Lane Credit, 3 CEUs
Find out what’s involved in planning zoo exhibits! Enter the world of exhibit planners . . . it’s more complicated than you might think. Teams of experts work together to figure out how deep to bury fences, how much shade to provide, where visitors will rest, and how to provide animals with shade, shelter, food, toys, and games—all while keeping everyone safe! We’ll show you samples of exhibit materials and share stories of some of our amazing animals and their homes. Help your students understand and empathize with the many species housed in zoos, and realize that other species need many of the same things that the students themselves need!

Habitat Detectives
April 25 at Brookfield Zoo and May 2 at Chicago Botanic Garden (8:30 a.m–4:30 p.m. both days), Grades Pre K–2, $140, 1 optional graduate credit ($100 through Aurora University), CPS Lane Credit, 3 CEUs
Learn through discovery how plants and animals work together to help each other, help people and help the planet. At the zoo, we will explore animal habitats, observe what kinds of homes animals need, talk about caring for pets, and create mini habitats. At Chicago Botanic Garden we’ll take a look at some “habitats” you can find right outside your classroom door, such as parking lots, sidewalk cracks, and tree nooks where you might find life you never expected!

Primary Primates

May 8 (4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and 9 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) grades Pre-K to 5, $140, 1 optional graduate credit ($100), 3 CEUs

Learn about our closest relatives: monkeys and apes.  Create a Tropic World Safari for your students as we tour through the rain forest exhibits at the zoo.  Share books and resources with other teachers.  We’ll discover a myriad of primate adaptations and lifestyles, trace handprints to compare with our own, and receive images of Brookfield Zoo’s own primates.

 

Africa:  The Land, the People and the Animals

May 15 (4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and 16 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) grades 4-6, $140, 1 optional graduate credit ($100), 3 CEUs

Investigate three human cultures surviving in three diverse ecosystems: the rain forest, the desert, and the savannah.  Help students appreciate the hugeness and diversity of the African continent.  Receive curriculum unit including CD-Rom.

 

Woodlands

May 30 (at Chicago Botanic Garden) AND June 6 (at Brookfield Zoo) (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), $140, 1 optional graduate credit ($100), 3 CEUs, Optional CPS Lane Credit

Learn about forest ecosystems and their unique features.  Both local and worldwide animals at Brookfield Zoo will be featured along with their niche in the woodland ecosystems. The woods at the Chicago Botanic Garden provide opportunity for tree identification and identifying different roles in a woodland ecosystem.

 

T.A.G.! Taxonomy, Adaptations and Genetics

June 22–26 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. each day), Grades 7–12, $350, 3 optional graduate credits (Aurora University $225 or Benedictine University science credits $345), CPS Lane Credit, 9 CEUs

Use zoo resources and innovative curricula to address important National High School Science Standards! Design and use dichotomous keys, measure relatedness between species, create a phylogenetic tree based on physical and behavioral adaptations and then fine tune your taxonomy with DNA! Take away curricula and activities that can be immediately used in your own upper-grade classroom and that will help you integrate important life science content areas and make connections with your students.

 

The Cycle of Inquiry

June 22-26 Class meets at West #40 ISC, Bellwood IL, directions will be e-mailed to participants (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. all days), All grades, $325, 3 optional graduate science credits (credit fee $225) CPS Lane Credit, 9 CEUs               

The Cycle of Inquiry is a user friendly version of the scientific method that emphasizes the inquiry question format to promote thinking and investigation. Science, reading and math are shown as the foundations of inquiry. The Cycle of Inquiry shows teachers how they can engage their students in studies of important curricular subjects, encouraging them to learn by asking questions and using the school’s natural surroundings as a living laboratory.

 

Exploring Nature with Children

July 1 and 2 at the Joliet Area Professional Development Association, Grades Pre K–3, $140, 1 optional graduate credit ($100), 3 CEUs

You don’t need to be any kind of an expert to share nature with young children through activities ranging from nature yoga  to art, crafts, and games. Discover the fun that you can find in the natural world in the school yard, a vacant lot or your own back yard. Create an inquiry activity for curious kids!

 

Animal Behavior

July 6-10, (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. each day), Grades 5–12, $325, 3 optional graduate credits ($225, Aurora University) or 3 optional graduate science credits ($345, Benedictine University), 9 CEUs, CPS Lane Credit

Animal behavior is a concept that students can readily grasp, making it easier for them to actually do the science. What does an animal do? Why does it do that? What does the behavior mean? By emphasizing the practical applications of behavioral research – including its relationship to conservation, the human impact on natural populations, and the methods of behavioral research – we offer entrée into the scientific method using inquiry: asking questions, seeking answers (collecting data) and formulating answers (interpreting data). Course includes a curriculum packet and video.

 

Animal Giants: The Megafauna

July 11, (8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., at Lincoln Park Zoo and the Shedd Aquarium), and July 12 (11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. at Brookfield Zoo), All grades, $140 (includes parking and bus transportation from Lincoln Park to Shedd Aquarium), 1 optional graduate credit (call 708-688-8372 for information), 3 CEUs, CPS Lane credit

Join the staffs from three of your favorite field trip destinations for an exploration of “bigness.”  How do some of the planet’s largest animals make their way in the world? We begin on Saturday at Lincoln Park Zoo, with an introduction to animal size plus a look at big cats. Then a chartered bus will take us to and from Shedd Aquarium, where we’ll explore big invertebrates and marine mammals. On Sunday at Brookfield Zoo, we visit giraffes and pachyderms for the grand finale. Your lesson plan assignment will include the adaptation of field trip lessons for special needs and literacy skill development.

Birds
July 17 (4:30–10:00 p.m.) and July 18 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), Grades 4–12, $140, 1 optional graduate science credit ($115),3 CEUs
From the smallest hummingbird to the largest ostrich, the bird world is filled with feathered marvels. Discover what exactly makes a bird a bird and how diverse birds can be! They can be found on every continent and in every ecosystem thanks to the countless biological adaptations that enhance their survival. This class includes activities for outdoor exploration, zoo visits and the classroom. Time will be spent observing the bird collection at Brookfield Zoo.

 

Butterflies

July 29 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago) and July 30 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., at Brookfield Zoo), Grades K-8, $140, 1 optional graduate science credit (Benedictine University, $115), CPS Lane Credit, 3 CEUs
Visit two wonderful butterfly habitats and learn about the life cycle of these beautiful creatures. Design and conduct inquiry observations, hear about butterflies from the experts who care for them, and get activities for use in your classroom.

 

Do Penguins Have Knees? And Other Intriguing Questions!
July 21 and 23 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. both days, All grades, $140, 1 optional graduate credit ($100 through Aurora University), CPS Lane credit, 3 CEUs
Why don’t animals have wheels? Do penguins have knees? Sharpen your observation skills and put curiosity to a good use! This class focuses on amazing animal adaptations and behaviors and includes inquiry activities and on-site investigations. Take away activities and a CD of animal images.

 

Animals at Home and Away
July 24 (4:30–10:00 p.m.) and 25 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), Grades Pre K– 4, $140, 1 optional graduate science credit ($115 through Benedictine University), 3 CEUs, CPS Lane Credit
From chipmunks to meerkats, coyotes to tigers, we’ll explore the world of mammals from our backyards and nature preserves to the savannahs of Africa and Arctic tundra. Engaging and interactive teaching activities will focus on animal information for young children. Find out how to teach about animals in the outdoors around us then meet and hear stories about polar bears, walrus, gorillas and other mammals from far away. Participants will receive copies of activities, a CD of animal images, and other materials.

 

The Integrated Classroom: Science, Literature and Math!
July 27–31 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. each day), All grades, $325, 3 optional Aurora University Graduate Credits ($225), 9 CEUs, CPS Lane Credit
Are you struggling to incorporate multiple curriculum demands into your classroom teaching? Learn how to effectively incorporate student-centered, inquiry-based methods into integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to your curriculum.

 

Ocean Explorers
August 3-7, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day. 3 graduate science hours (Benedictine University $345) or 3 graduate credit hours (Aurora University $225), CPS Lane credit, 45 CPDUs. $350, All grades.
Focus on the ocean animals at Brookfield Zoo: bottle nosed dolphin, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea stars and more. Carry out a behavioral observation and develop inquiry questions for use with your students. Class will explore the Secret Life of Dolphins curriculum and software. Fee includes curriculum materials.

 

2009 Dinosaurs Alive! A Dinosaur Encounter for Educators and Friends
September 25 (3:30–7:00 p.m.) tram tours to the dinosaurs leave every ½ hour), All grades, $45, 1 CPDU
Don’t miss this special after-school open house event for teachers and their friends. Join us for great hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, drinks, talks and a tour. Brookfield Zoo’s new dinosaur experience is a multi-sensory, interactive exhibit featuring 17 animatronic dinosaurs, representing many of the creatures that roamed the earth during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. As an addition to the full exhibit, we’ll check out the gigantic Ruyang Dinosaur standing in Roosevelt Fountain. Modeled after a dinosaur found in China in 2007, it is the world’s largest animatronic dinosaur, created especially for Brookfield Zoo’s guests. Join us for a roaring good time!

 

Prehistoric Life
October 3, (8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., Brookfield Zoo), October 10 (8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., Chicago Botanic Garden), All grades, $140, 1 optional graduate credit ($100), 3 CEUs, CPS Lane Credit
Do your students fawn over fern fossils? Do they think T. rex is terrific? Then join educators at the Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Botanic Garden to learn more about prehistoric life. At Brookfield Zoo, you will experience a multi-sensory interactive exhibit that features dinosaurs that represent many of the creatures that roamed the earth during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. You will also learn about dinosaurs in the context of today’s animals, learning about habitat, adaptations and other factors that allow animals to thrive no matter when or where they lived. At Chicago Botanic Garden, learn about the forests and fields of ancient Earth as well as plant evolution while doing hands-on activities that can be adapted for grades K-12.

 

Animal Colors
Friday, October 16, 4:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday October 17, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. All grades, $140 fee, 1 optional graduate credit ($100 through Aurora University) , CPS Lane credit,15 CPDUs.
Camouflage, warning colors, attracting a mate, and declaring a territory: color plays many roles in the animal world. Discover the purpose of a zebra’s stripes, a fish’s white belly and the dots on a tiger’s ears through activities and guided animal observations. Take home AV of beautiful Brookfield Zoo animals and activities for your classroom.

 

Biodiversity Basics
October 23 (4:30–10:00 p.m.) and October 24 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), Grades 5-9, $150, 1 optional graduate science credit ($115 through Benedictine University), 3 CEUs, CPS Lane Credit – Fee includes Windows on the Wild curriculum materials!
W.O.W.! It is the Windows on the Wild program, Biodiversity Basics—the World Wildlife Federation educator’s guide to exploring the web of life! The materials and activities are developed to educate people about biodiversity and to stimulate critical thinking, discussion, and informed decision making on behalf of the environment. (Class size is limited!)

 

African Habitats
November 7 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at Brookfield Zoo), and November 14 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at Chicago Botanic Garden), All grades, $140, 1 optional graduate credit ($100), 3 CEUs, CPS Lane Credit
Explore African habitats and their inhabitants by signing up for this two- Saturday workshop that will be held at Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Botanic Garden. At Brookfield Zoo, learn about the biodiversity of animals in Africa and the amazing adaptations that allow them to survive in this environment. At Chicago Botanic Garden, discover bizarre plants of Africa and learn about their economic uses. On both days, teachers will learn about Africa through hands-on activities that relate to language arts, math, science, social studies, and fine arts.

 

Plan ahead for 2010!

 

Rainforests
January 23, 2010 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at Chicago Botanic Garden) and January 30, 2010 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at Brookfield Zoo), All grades, $140, 1 optional graduate credit ($100), CPS Lane credit, 3 CEUs.
Spend one Saturday at Chicago Botanic Garden and one Saturday at Brookfield Zoo and learn about rainforests worldwide — why they’re important, why some are disappearing, and why we want to protect them. Join educators at Chicago Botanic Garden in the warm, steamy greenhouses to explore rainforest plants and their adaptations. At Brookfield Zoo, seek out animals of the rainforest in our cozy rainforest exhibits, and learn about their adaptations for survival. At both places, learn hands-on art and science activities for use in the classroom. Teachers will explore rainforests through classroom activities that relate to language arts, math, science, social studies, and fine arts.

How to Register

Send a check (made payable to Brookfield Zoo) to: Teacher Workshops, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513.

Please be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, as well as the name of the class for which you are registering. (Teachers outside the recommended grade ranges are welcome to attend and adapt materials for their own use.)


Important Information

Optional graduate credit is available for all classes.
Aurora University credit is available for $100 per hour or $75 per hour for multiple-hour classes. (Some classes carry science credit.)
Benedictine University science credit is available for $115 per hour.
Please register with National Louis University. (Many classes are offered.)

Continuing education credit is available free for all classes.

Graduate classes offer three CEUs per graduate hour. (Three CEUs = 15 CPDUs = 15 hours of professional development.)
Classes and events that are fewer than 15 hours offer one CPDU per contact hour.

Refund Policy

All class fees include a $25 nonrefundable registration fee. Class fees, minus the $25 registration fee, can be refunded or transferred to another teacher class if we receive notice of this request at least five days prior to the date of the original class.

For more information, contact Lanis Petrik at lanis.petrik@czs.org.

Teachers outside the recommended grade ranges are welcome to attend and adapt materials for their own use. Please note: cost includes a $25 non-refundable registration fee. Optional graduate credit ($100 per hour through Aurora University) is available for most classes for an additional fee. All courses offer free CEUs. 

News & Press