Santa Barbara Zoo

General Information
Classes
Guided Tours
Animal Encounters
School Snoozes
Custom Programs
Contact Us

Connection Classes

System to System
Ideal for: 5th grade
Theme: Differences between animals and humans are more than skin deep.

California State Standards Connection: Life Sciences Standard 2 Plants and animals have structures for respiration, digestion, waste disposal, and transport of materials.

Just like humans, animals have systems of organs that help them to breathe, move, and hold themselves together! This exciting class helps students to compare the systems of humans and some of our zoo animals, showing that the differences between us are more than just skin deep. Students will not only develop a deeper understanding of their own bodies, but an appreciation for the diverse ways that animal bodies work.

Internal Investigators Coming Soon!
Ideal for: 5th grade
Theme: While squid organ systems are very different than those of humans, we can still learn a lot about our own internal organs from squid.

California State Standards Connection: Life Sciences Standard 2 Plants and animals have structures for respiration, digestion, waste disposal, and transport of materials.

Do you want your students to have the experience of a hands-on dissection? Are you nervous about doing it yourself? Then this class is the place for you. Our Zoo Educators will lead your students in the dissection of a squid, in which your students will have the chance to see all of the organ systems they are learning about up close and in person. This is a wonderful chance for your students to actually see up close the organ systems they are learning about in humans.

Wildlife Careers
Ideal for: 5th-6th grade
Theme: You can choose from a wide variety of exciting and rewarding wildlife careers.

Ever wondered what it would be like to work at a zoo? Ever wanted to be a vet? Do you want to know what it might be like to work with animals in the wild? This class is the place to find out about all of the different career options that exist for students enthused by animals! This class is sure to have something for everyone who loves animals, and heavily emphasizes the importance of staying in school and working hard in class.

Guided Tours

System to System
Ideal for: 5th grade
Theme: Differences between animals and humans are more than skin deep.

California State Standards Connection: Life Sciences Standard 2 Plants and animals have structures for respiration, digestion, waste disposal, and transport of materials.

Just like humans, animals have systems of organs that help them to breathe, move, and hold themselves together! This exciting tour, led by an experienced tour guide, helps students to compare the systems of humans and some of our zoo animals, showing that the differences between us are more than just skin deep. Students will not only develop a deeper understanding of their own bodies, but an appreciation for the diverse ways that animal bodies are put together.

Animal Encounters

Animal Encounters can be arranged for children of any age, and give your students a chance to get up close and personal with one of our zoo's totally safe education animals. A zoo educator will bring out an animal from our collection and talk to your students about it. Depending on the animal you choose and the age of your students, they may even be able to touch! You can work with one of our Zoo Educators to choose an animal that will best emphasize your curriculum and will be the most exciting for your students. Available animals include a wide variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, as well as a few small mammals from our collection.

School Snoozes

The Santa Barbara Zoo's famous Zoo Snoozes are now available for school groups. These overnight adventures provide the experience of a lifetime for your students as our experienced Zoo Snooze educators lead students through a variety of exciting and educational activities throughout the night. You can get more information about the Zoo Snooze program on our sleepovers page.

Custom Programs

If you don't see exactly what you are looking for, the Santa Barbara Zoo will help you create it. Please call the Education Department at (805) 962-5339 to speak with one of our educators about the possibilities for your group.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about our school programs, please contact Katie Holder by email or phone (805)962-5339, ext. 150. We look forward to working with you this year!