Annual Report 2010-2011

Kelly Small, Zoo School Coordinator The Calgary Zoo

ZooSchool

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Chevron Open Minds School Program

Table of Contents

Goals & Objectives – slide 3 Teacher Goals – slides 4-8Student Goals – slides 9-14Community Goals – slides 15-18Site Goals – slides 19-23Coordinator Highlights – slide 24Community Funder – slides 25-27Program Statistics – slides 28-30 New and Exciting – slide 31

“I learned so much more than I thought I would… Zoo School was important to me because learning is a privilege.” Grade 3 student

GOALS and OBJECTIVES

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The goals and objectives in this annual report were developed by site coordinators of the Chevron Open Minds School Program and representatives from Chevron with the different stakeholders in mind. We are reporting on how we met or exceeded the following objectives in 2010-2011 with regards to each stakeholder:

Teacher GoalsEnhanced Curricular ObjectivesEnhanced Student SkillsDeepened RelationshipsCross-Curricular LearningProfessional Growth

Student GoalsImproved Writing/Communication SkillsEnhanced Critical Thinking SkillsBeyond a One-Week ExperienceAlignment with Current Practices

Community GoalsVariety of ParticipantsPartnerships

Site GoalsEngageInspireConnectRepeat Visits

Community FunderSite RecognitionBenefitsStudent Recognition

TEACHER GOALSEnhanced Curricular Objectives

“Zoo School fit perfectly with our curriculum objectives and made learning so much more fun and real for the students. It also allowed us to see new things that we can further explore.”

Grade 6-8 Special Education Teacher

“The students were immersed in curriculum and didn’t even know it!!”

Grade 3 teacher

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Observing communities as part of Grade 5 Wetlands unit

TEACHER GOALSEnhanced Student Skills

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Students interviewing a zookeeper

“Prior to our trip, I was having difficulty getting my students to take the time to really observe, reflect upon and question what they were seeing… They now question everything and do not just take my word for it. They want to research, ask other adults and are inspired to discover their questions independently.”

Grade 2 teacher

TEACHER GOALSDeepened Relationships

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Teacher and student sharing their observations

“Everyone worked and learned together asa community (students, teacher, parent volunteers and zoo staff).”

Grade 2 teacher

TEACHER GOALSImplementation of Cross-Curricular Learning

“Zoo School was a great way to enhance curriculum objectives and has been integral in making cross curricular connections.”

Grade 2/3 teacher

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Canvas habitat pictures incorporating art, writing, science, geography and Zoo learning

TEACHER GOALSProfessional Growth

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Teacher sharing pictures with students

“In all of my years of teaching, I have never had such a rich, rewarding and inspiring experience as a teacher than my time spent at Zoo School.”

Grade 2 teacher

STUDENT GOALSImproved writing & communication skills

“Many of my non-writers became writers without realizing it in some cases and many found the value in writing and a reason for writing. A few students had epiphanies and realized that they too could become writers.”

Grade 3 teacher

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Grade 3 student observations.Students are encouraged to write and

sketch about what they notice.

STUDENT GOALSEnhanced Critical Thinking Skills

“My child has shown signs of greater critical thinking and reflection. Due to the physical experience, my child thinks about Zoo School a lot and talks about it a lot.”Parent of Grade 3/4 student

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What animal did this belong to? Zoo School uses object-based

learning to enhance critical thinking

STUDENT GOALSBeyond a One-Week Experience

Before Zoo School, students:

Researched animals, studied buildings, examined the Zoo website, practised sketching and observing, investigated endangered species, studied lifecycles and habitats, reviewed vocabulary and big ideas.

Post-Zoo School:

Created websites, built 3-D models of enclosures, wrote poetry and stories, collected cell phones, presented to others, made books, developed newsletters and movies, undertook environmental projects, edible gardening and composting initiatives

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Top: Pre-Zoo School, looking at objects

Bottom: Books created after Zoo School

STUDENT GOALSBeyond a One-Week Experience

More examples of pre/post student work

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Grade 2 student’s arctic habitat Animated phenakistoscopes based on lifecycles of Zoo animals

STUDENT GOALSAlignment with current practises in student learning

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“The Open Minds Zoo School fits directly into the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) planning model, whereby student engagement is most valuable.”

Grade 3 teacher

“Zoo school aligns perfectly with the CBE initiative of personalized learning. Students each experience the zoo and the activities in their own ways and each activity has multiple entry points so all students are successful.”

Grade 3/4 teacher

“The Zoo Trip is definitely in-line with the pedagogical idea of hands-on learning. The students retained the information and were able to relate it to the school community when they returned.”

Grade 9 teacher

“[Zoo School] completely aligns with current pedagogical theories and practises related to critical thinking, Universal Design to Learn, and personalization.”

Grade 2/3 teacher

STUDENT GOALSAlignment with current theories in student learning

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Motivation and Learning Disabilities

Teachers tend to use the motivators that appeal most to their own preferences. In teaching, it is important to use a variety of motivational strategies in order to motivate all students. The following are motivators that differ from person to person and provide individual inspiration and action.

Status – the need to be important Aggression – the need to assert Inquisitiveness – the need to know Autonomy - the need for independenceAffiliation – the need to associate and belong Power – the need for controlRecognition – the need for acknowledgment Gregariousness – the need to belong

Source: Dr. Lavoie, Keynote speaker at Colour Outside the Lines Conference, and Author of Motivation Breakthrough – 6 Secrets to Turning On the Tuned Out Child

Ways Zoo School taps into various motivators:

>Same groups throughout week (affiliation, gregariousness)>Animal observation and journaling – writing down own thoughts, questions, reflections (inquisitiveness, power, autonomy, gregariousness, aggression)>Sharing of thoughts, observations (recognition, affiliation, status, recognition)>Written comments in journals (recognition, status)>Taking pictures of student work (recognition, status)>Certificates and Zoo passes given at end of week (recognition, status, affiliation, gregariousness)>Open-ended observations and explorations (autonomy, power, affiliation, gregariousness)>The year-long nature of Zoo School allows for student-centered projects (autonomous or inquisitive)>Asking for student opinions around a controversial topic (power, aggression)

COMMUNITY GOALSVariety of Participants from the Community

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Parent volunteer (in chair) facilitating a sharing circle with the students

In response to the volunteer evaluation question, ‘How has participation in Zoo School impacted you?’:

“Greatly- so much so that I bought a seasons pass for my husband and I, and also am volunteering at the zoo regularly.”

Grandmother of Grade 2 student

*Included parents, grandparents, teacher relatives, student teachers, and administrators

295 adult volunteers participated for at least one day*

COMMUNITY GOALSVariety of Participants from the Community

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Docent leading a school program

16 Zoo volunteers were involved with Zoo School*

Thank you for your participation!

* Volunteers taught school programs, provided natural history, presented animal ambassadors, and led and /or assisted with customized programs – they are and were invaluable!

COMMUNITY GOALSVariety of Participants from the Community

* Staff members delivered programs, presented animal ambassadors, led behind-the-scenes encounters and assisted with program administration. Indirectly, dozens of Zoo staff provided support for Zoo School including security, guest relations, custodial, facilities, grounds maintenance, and animal care.

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Keeper demonstrating training to students

At least 20 Zoo staff were directly involved with

Zoo School*

Thank you to everyone!

COMMUNITY GOALSPartnerships

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Thank you to the following partners for continuous support and commitment to the Chevron

Open Minds School Program

Trish Savill, from the CBE, journaling alongside students in the Canadian Wilds

SITE GOALSFit with Zoo Mission

The Zoo’s Mission:

“ENGAGE visitors in enjoyable and unique experiences,

CONNECT our community with nature, and

INSPIRE actions which support conservation.”

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“Our experiences exceeded the Zoo’s mission…. These experiences made the Zoo a smaller place and the students stronger bigger thinkers.”

Grade 3 teacher

SITE GOALSEngage Visitors in Enjoyable and Unique Experiences

“This experience has shown how much the zoo has to offer. It is not only about seeing the animals, but also about studying their enclosures, food habits, quality of life, etc. It opened the students’ minds to other things to do at the zoo besides look at animals, and play at the park. The zoo offers opportunities for questions of zoo keepers, hands-on activities, and unique programs such as The Wisdom of Gorillas.”

Grade 3 teacher

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Educator leading a whooping crane dance

SITE GOALSConnect Our Community With Nature

“Students became much more aware of animals and birds in our local neighbourhood. Students are now identifying robins, sparrows, crows, magpies, squirrels and rabbits.”

Grade 2/3 teacher

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SITE GOALSInspire Actions Which Support Conservation

“We learned the many ways we could conserve in our daily lives and how to help animals half way across the world. The students were quite keen to share what they learned with others, hopefully inspiring them as well.”

Grade 9 teacher

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Zoo staff accepting cell phones students collected to support gorilla conservation

SITE GOALSRepeat Visits

In 2010/2011, we provided each student with a one-day ticket so they could return to the Zoo as ambassadors of Zoo School.

66 tickets were used for repeat visits.*

Repeat visits :• Demonstrate students value the Zoo as a destination• Provide opportunities for others affiliated with Zoo School students to see the

Zoo in a different light• Generate revenue from tickets sales and purchases

*This does not include the number of students who returned on their own without their free ticket or have their own membership cards.

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“Many of my students have taken their parents and siblings back to the Zoo and have been ambassadors for their family.”

Grade 3 teacher

Chevron Open Minds School Program

• Collaborated with incredibly diverse groups of students - junior high, ESL, special needs, autistic, spanish immersion, gifted

• Attended professional development on BoySmarts, Reggio Emelia, Learning Disabilities, and ESL and have recognized how Zoo School supports diverse students

• Liaised with Zookeeper Barb Campbell and the teacher and students from Monterey Park School to create a video about Lupe the Agouti’s care.

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Coordinator’s Highlights from 2010/2011

Students with Lupe the Agouti

COMMUNITY FUNDER Recognition

• Decal posted outside Tom Baines Classroom (1.2 million annual visitors)

• Hanging banner displayed in Karsten Discovery Centre

• Sponsorship promoted to 909 Zoo School participants

• One article in What’s New at the Zoo newsletter (23,000 printed, 8000 electronic)

• Listing in 2010 annual report (500 printed, available on website)

• Recognition on Calgary Zoo website (880,000 visits annually)

• Sandwich board in classroom (~2500 visitors)

• Student-made cards distributed to officials

• Approximately 360 opportunities to mention Chevron sponsorship to potential sponsors, government officials, financial institution employees and advisors, and individuals

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Student card using a drawing from their Zoo journal,

recognition sticker on back

COMMUNITY FUNDER Benefits

As outlined in the sponsorship agreement between Chevron Canada and the Zoo:

• Exclusive naming rights for the Chevron Open Minds School Program at the Calgary Zoo and Zoo School

• A subscription to the Calgary Zoo’s What’s New at the Zoo newsletter

• One article in What’s New at the Zoo newsletter

• Invitation to special events, including Zoolights, Tiger Talk, Gorilla Talk, Tusks & Tails, and Royal Event

• Exposure of School Program to school boards, parents, students, and teachers

• Membership discounts for Chevron Canada employees

• One 50% room rental discount at the Zoo (has not yet been redeemed)

• One complimentary meeting room at the Zoo (has not yet been redeemed)

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Thank you to Chevron for on-going sponsorship until Spring 2013!

COMMUNITY FUNDERStudent Recognition of Funder

Double click on the box below to watch a video created by Grade 9 students.

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Grade 2 letter to Chevron

Participant Statistics for 2010/2011

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Zoo School Week School Grade Students Teachers Parents Other TotalSept 20-24 Rosemont 2/3 19 1 12 0 32Sept 27-30 Arbour Lake 5 31 1 13 2 47Oct 4-8 Arbour Lake 5 31 1 13 1 46Oct 18-22 Woodbine 3 21 1 14 2 38Oct 25-29 Woodbine 3 19 1 13 3 36Nov 1-5 Altadore 3/4 21 1 10 3 35Nov 15-19 Heritage Christian 6-8 16 1 4 6 27Nov 22-26 Cecil Swanson 3 23 1 3 5 32Nov 29-Dec 3 Cecil Swanson 3 24 1 3 5 33Dec 6-10 Elboya School 5/6 GATE 21 1 12 0 34Dec 13-17 Elboya School 6 6 24 1 10 0 35Jan 4-7 and Feb 15 James Short Memorial 3 14 1 5 7 27Jan 10-14 James Short Memorial 3 16 1 5 7 29Jan 17-21 Hawkwood 3 21 1 14 2 38Jan 24-28 Hawkwood 3 21 1 17 4 43Feb 1-4, and 14 Radisson Park 3/4 24 1 3 6 34Feb 7-11 Radisson Park 3/4 27 1 3 6 37Feb 28- Mar 4 LeRoi Daniels 2 21 1 10 2 34Mar 7-11 LeRoi Daniels 2 21 1 8 0 30Mar 14-18 Dalhousie 2 22 1 14 0 37Mar 21-24, May 26 SaddleRidge 2 20 1 8 5 34April 4-7 St Rose of Lima 9 25 1 1 4 31April 11-15 Buchanan 3/4 20 1 6 1 28Apr 25-29 Buchanan 2/3 18 1 1 4 24May 2-6 Connaught 3-6 LEAD 23 2 1 2 28May 9-13 Monterey 2 21 1 7 1 30May 16-19,25 Monterey 2 22 1 6 1 30

Total 586 28 216 79 909

Statistics for Zoo School Applications

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Historic Summary 2011 2010 2009

2008 2007 2006

2005 2004 2003

2002 2001 2000

Total Applications 18 40 26 43 31 34 26 31 49 35 33 35

Total Weeks Requested 40 74 47 74 53 56 44 49 82 55 46 55

Total Weeks Rejected 13 47 19 46 25 29 18 23 54 27 18 26

Total Weeks Accepted 27 27 28 28 28 27 26 26 28 28 28 29

Compared to 2009, there was a dramatic increase in overall applications in 2010. There continues to be a large demand for the program, however new sites and cuts to teaching positions within the CBE contributed to less applications in 2011. On the other hand, the number of applications from CSSD increased in 2011 likely due to an information meeting offered specifically to CSSD teachers.

Statistics for Zoo School Applications –

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Zoo School Applications 2011-2012 Applications # of weeks requested

# of joint proposals

# of weeks accepted

CBE

Grades 1-1/2 0 0 0 0

Grades 2-3/4 8 29 4 18

Grade 4-6 2 2 0 2

Grades 7-9 1 1 0 1

Grades 10-12 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 11 32 4 21

CRCSSD

Grades 2-3/4 6 6 0 5

Grades 4-6 1 1 0 1

Grades 7-9 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 7 7 0

Independent 1 1 0 0

Total Applications 18

Total Weeks Requested 40

Total Joint 4

Total rejected from Zoo 13

Total placed at other sites 0

Total Accepted 27

Spotlight on Feature Animals for 2011:

• Tigers (Feb - March)

• Gorillas (May-June)

• Grizzlies (July-Aug)

• Hippos (Oct-Nov)

• The buildings for Penguin Plunge are taking shape and we’re diving into penguin programming.

• We will be making improvements to the Tom Baines classroom, such as a bootrack, and internet and network capabilities

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New and Exciting at the Zoo:

Students participating in the launch of Spotlight on Tigers