Annual Report 2010-2011

1. ZooSchool Annual Report 2010-2011 Kelly Small, Zoo School Coordinator The Calgary Zoo

2. Chevron Open Minds School Program Table of Contents Goals & Objectives – slide 3 Teacher Goals – slides 4-8 Student Goals – slides 9-14 Community Goals – slides 15-18 Site Goals – slides 19-23 Coordinator Highlights – slide 24 Community Funder – slides 25-27 Program 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

3. GOALS and OBJECTIVES 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: Community Goals Variety of Participants Partnerships Site Goals Engage Inspire Connect Repeat Visits Community Funder Site Recognition Benefits Student Recognition Teacher Goals Enhanced Curricular Objectives Enhanced Student Skills Deepened Relationships Cross-Curricular Learning Professional Growth Student Goals Improved Writing/Communication Skills Enhanced Critical Thinking Skills Beyond a One-Week Experience Alignment with Current Practices 3

4. 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 Observing communities as part of Grade 5 Wetlands unit 4

5. TEACHER GOALSEnhanced Student Skills “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 Students interviewing a zookeeper 5

6. TEACHER GOALSDeepened Relationships “Everyone worked and learned together as a community (students, teacher, parent volunteers and zoo staff).” Grade 2 teacher Teacher and student sharing their observations 6

7. 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 Canvas habitat pictures incorporating art, writing, science, geography and Zoo learning 7

8. TEACHER GOALSProfessional Growth “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 Teacher sharing pictures with students 8

9. 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 Grade 3 student observations. Students are encouraged to write and sketch about what they notice. 9

10. 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 What animal did this belong to? Zoo School uses object-based learning to enhance critical thinking 10

11. 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 Top: Pre-Zoo School, looking at objects Bottom: Books created after Zoo School 11

12. STUDENT GOALSBeyond a One-Week Experience More examples of pre/post student work Grade 2 student’s arctic habitat Animated phenakistoscopes based on lifecycles of Zoo animals 12

13. STUDENT GOALSAlignment with current practises in student learning “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 13

14. STUDENT GOALSAlignment with current theories in student learning 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 belongSource: 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) 14

15. COMMUNITY GOALSVariety of Participants from the Community 295 adult volunteers participated for at least one day* 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 Parent volunteer (in chair) facilitating a sharing circle with the students *Included parents, grandparents, teacher relatives, student teachers, and administrators 15

16. COMMUNITY GOALSVariety of Participants from the Community 16 Zoo volunteers were involved with Zoo School* Thank you for your participation! Docent leading a school program * Volunteers taught school programs, provided natural history, presented animal ambassadors, and led and /or assisted with customized programs – they are and were invaluable! 16

17. 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. At least 20 Zoo staff were directly involved with Zoo School* Thank you to everyone! Keeper demonstrating training to students 17

18. COMMUNITY GOALSPartnerships 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 18

19. 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.” “Our experiences exceeded the Zoo’s mission…. These experiences made the Zoo a smaller place and the students stronger bigger thinkers.” Grade 3 teacher 19

20. 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 Educator leading a whooping crane dance 20

21. 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 21

22. 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 Zoo staff accepting cell phones students collected to support gorilla conservation 22

23. 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. “Many of my students have taken their parents and siblings back to the Zoo and have been ambassadors for their family.” Grade 3 teacher 23

24. 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. Coordinator’s Highlights from 2010/2011 Students with Lupe the Agouti 24

25. 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 Student card using a drawing from their Zoo journal, recognition sticker on back 25

26. 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) Thank you to Chevron for on-going sponsorship until Spring 2013! 26

27. COMMUNITY FUNDERStudent Recognition of Funder Double click on the box below to watch a video created by Grade 9 students. Grade 2 letter to Chevron 27

28. Participant Statistics for 2010/2011 28

29. Statistics for Zoo School Applications 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. 29

30. Statistics for Zoo School Applications – 30

31. 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 New and Exciting at the Zoo: Students participating in the launch of Spotlight on Tigers 31