Centered on sustainability concepts, this project-based learning unit helps students explore human impacts on wildlife around the globe, and how their actions can make a difference. This unit includes an educator guide, a project launch field trip to the Zoo, an action-centered outreach program and an invitation to the end-of-year student showcase.
Session 1, Zoo Field Trip Launch: Students explore the Zoo at their own pace and interact with representatives from the Zoo’s Conservation Engagement & Learning and Sustainability teams to learn how waste can impact wildlife around the globe.
Session 2, School Visit: Zoo staff help students perform a waste audit at your school to identify challenges that impact local wildlife—then identify the solution most likely to have a positive impact, and work to implement it within your school community.
Session 3 (optional), Student Showcase at Denver Zoo: students are invited back to the Zoo in May for the Conservation Learning Showcase, where they can share with the community how they positively impacted their school’s sustainability efforts through implementation of their solution.
GRADES
6–8
DATES + TIMES
2023–2024 Zoo Field Trip launch dates (choose one):
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Follow up at-school Outreach program is custom-scheduled after registration is initiated. Teachers will be contacted to set up their Outreach date.
The spring 2024 Student Showcase date will be May 3.
COST
FREE! All 2024 Conservation Challenge: Rethink Your Rubbish programs are free to schools, made possible through generous donations to Denver Zoo’s Access to Awe Scholarship Fund.
This program is not accepting registrations at this time. Please look back soon for our fall Rethink your Rubbish Dates!