John Ball Zoo

Core Education Topics


Preschool-K Core Topics

Body Coverings: Experience the furry, feathery and scaly side of the animal world and learn why animals have these amazing coverings.

Michigan Wildlife: Explore the wild side of Michigan and learn more about the animals that might be right in your backyard.

Animal Senses: Explore your own senses as well as those that animals use to survive.

**Animal Essentials: Learn animals' basic needs and how they satisfy these needs to survive.

1st - 3rd Grade Core Topics

**Animal Classification: Students learn how scientists group and classify animals based on their similarities and differences.

Growing Up Wild: We'll explore animals, their young and how they each grow up differently. 

Habitats: Learn the basic needs of animals and how they meet those needs in the different types of habitats, from deserts to wetlands.

4th Grade and Above Core Topics

**Animal Adaptations: Get an up-close look at the amazing physical and behavioral adaptations animals use to survive.

Predator-Prey: Learn about adaptations that help predators find prey and how potential prey avoid being eaten while exploring the relationships these animals have with each other.

**Connections: Learn to recognize the connections between animals and plants, and how they effect the flow of energy through an ecosystem. 

**Wildlife Conservation: Learn what you can do and what others are doing to help protect wildlife and their habitats around the world.