Young Scientists Program
A Middle School Program

What:   An extensive middle school program that introduces students to the field of ethology (the study of animal behavior) and exhibit design through inquiry-based learning.  Program contains 5 components: teacher training, three in-class lessons with live animals, two Denver Zoo visits, supporting curriculum and materials, and presentation events.

Who:    Ideal for 45 students or more in grades 5-8

Where: At your school AND at the Denver Zoo

When: Dates are available during the school year.  Program consists of 3 in-class lessons at your school and 2 zoo visits. 

 Times: Flexible

Cost:    45-59 students:             $43.00/student
            60-140 students:           $38.00/student
           Scholarships are available through Denver Zoo's Red Apple Fund.

How:    Contact Program Coordinator at 303-376-4836 or youngscientists@denverzoo.org

The program gives students the opportunity to implement what they learn with a hands-on and hypothesis-based real-life application.  Through this program, students will:

• Be visited by a Denver Zoo educator three times to learn about ethology, the process of scientific inquiry, data collection methodologies, and exhibit design.
• Use a Denver Zoo traveling library to research their selected study species.
• Visit the Denver Zoo two times to develop hypotheses, collect data, and tour the zoo.
• Create a final project that includes a poster and/or report detailing their science process as well as a 3-D model zoo enclosure.
• Have the opportunity to be selected by the school to attend the Denver Zoo and the Chase Bank Young Scientists Best of Show Gala.

This program aligns with the following middle school state standards:

• Science 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.9, 3.1
• Math 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6
• Reading and Writing 1, 2, 4, and 5