ZooMobile Outreach

ZooMobile offers an up-close, hands-on experience with live animals in your classroom. ZooMobile programs have been developed for specific grade levels in accordance with the themes listed in the California Science Content Standards. For those who prefer to come to the Zoo, Close Encounters offer the same lessons in our Zoo classrooms.

ZooMobile runs from September through mid-June each year. Each lesson can accommodate up to 35 students, and up to four presentations can be offered on a single day. Call (415) 753-8123 to schedule a ZooMobile visit.

Correlation Chart

The following is a list of the available programs. They are identical to our Close Encounter lessons. Each one has been developed for specific age groups in accordance with the themes recommended in the national and regional science curriculum guidelines.

The Wild City  Aligns with California SCS for grades K, 1

Children are taken on an imaginary walk through a local park to find a native amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal. They learn what all animals need to survive.

Habitats  Aligns with California SCS for grades K, 1, 3, 4, 6

Children compare life in the desert, the rainforest and the Bay Area. They get a first-hand look at some of the animals of these regions and their adaptations for survival.

Animal Classification  Aligns with California SCS for grades 2, 3, 5

Students are introduced to the five kinds of animals with a backbone: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The lesson covers similarities and differences in eating habits, locomotion and habitats.

How Animals Grow  Aligns with California SCS for grades K, 1, 2, 3

This lesson explores the unique and amazing ways that different types of animals grow from young to adult. Some hatch from eggs while others are born live. Some change form completely while others become larger versions of their baby selves.

The Food Web  Aligns with California SCS for grades 3, 4, 6

This lesson explores food chains, the interdependence of plants and animals, predator/prey relationships, and the difference between living and non-living things.

Shifting the Balance  Aligns with California SCS for grades 4, 6, 7

This lesson explores the effect that altering nature's delicate balance has on wildlife populations. Issues addressed include the pet trade, misunderstood animals, introduced species and habitat destruction. Students learn how they can help save habitats every day.

Birds: Form and Function  Aligns with California SCS for grades 3-7

The Evolving Reptiles  Aligns with California SCS for grades 3-5, 7

Reptiles have been on the earth for hundreds of millions of years. Two hundred and thirty million years ago, there were 20 distinct orders of these scaly creatures. Now, there are only four. Learn how these survivors make their way in the modern world.

Cost

The cost of the program is $60 per presentation, plus a transportation fee that varies depending on the distance from the Zoo to your school.

ZooMobile Fee schedule

Fees are listed as follows:
1 presentation/2 presentations/3 presentations/4 presentations

SFUSD Schools - Fee: $110/160/190/210
All other San Francisco Schools - Fee: $120/170/210/240
Close Encounters (at the Zoo) - Fee: $70/110/130/150

ZooMobile Contact Information: (415)-753-8123
zoomobile@sfzoo.org