The National Zoo
- National Zoo Website
- National Zoo Map
- Address: 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
- Phone Number: 202.633.2614
- Contact Pamela Baker-Masson, the Associate Director of Communications, with questions/upon arriving
- Time: 3.5-4 hours, recommended 10AM-2PM
- The National Zoo is open Mon.-Fri.; the grounds open at 6AM, the exhibit buildings open at 10AM
- Admission is free, and all students are accommodated
- Students should pack their lunches. There are picnic areas by the Kids' Farm.
- There are 5 restrooms located throughout the park
- Bus parking is available on weekdays for $22
Field Trip Activities
![Picture](/uploads/2/1/5/3/21538466/6536447.jpg)
Objectives:
- Students will apply map skills to create a legend for the National Zoo Map.
- Students will write directions to navigate between animal exhibits.
- Students will identify the Zoo as being located in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C.
Summary of Site:
The National Zoo provides an opportunity for educators to integrate science and history instruction by coordinating basic biology/zoology concepts with map skills and elementary geography. The zoo covers over 163 acres, and admittance is free. With nearly 2,000 animals from over 400 species, the zoo appeals to the diverse interests of students. The zoo website provides detailed animal facts as well as several activities for students to complete while visiting the exhibits.
Pre-Trip:
During Trip:
Post-Trip
The National Zoo provides an opportunity for educators to integrate science and history instruction by coordinating basic biology/zoology concepts with map skills and elementary geography. The zoo covers over 163 acres, and admittance is free. With nearly 2,000 animals from over 400 species, the zoo appeals to the diverse interests of students. The zoo website provides detailed animal facts as well as several activities for students to complete while visiting the exhibits.
Pre-Trip:
- Print off class copies of the Zoo Map
- Instruct students to create a legend which corresponds to the map
- Assign each seating group an animal exhibit
- Direct each group to write directions using the cardinal directions to get from the park entrance to their assigned exhibit
During Trip:
- Allow each group an opportunity to lead the class to their assigned animal exhibit using the cardinal directions and the map
- Instruct students to circle each animal exhibit that they visited on their maps
Post-Trip
- Allow students to share their favorite animals/exhibits at the zoo
- Instruct students to design their own zoo using the legend and symbols from the National Zoo Map. Students should include their favorite animals from the National Zoo.