Connections to Africa: Self-Guided Explorations

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's Connections to Africa program allows students to explore the Zoo's newest exhibit, African Elephant Crossing — focusing on how living things, including people, interact with the environment. The Zoo will provide scientific tools that you and your students can use while exploring the exhibit. This inquiry-driven, self-guided program will help your students build a connection to African animals by asking questions about how they live and survive.

Grades 1-3
To best prepare for this innovative experience, participating teachers are strongly encouraged to attend a Connections to Africa Teacher Workshop prior to their scheduled field trip.

Classroom inquiry kits containing lesson plans and hands-on materials for use in your classroom are available for check-out two weeks prior to your field trip date. Kits must be reserved ahead of time by calling 216-635-3391. Click to see materials list.

You can download the Teacher/Chaperone Guide to help prepare for your visit. This is a step-by-step set of instructions that you will use to complete the program.

If you have already visited the Zoo and completed the program, you can compare your results to our Collected Elephant Observation Data (xls file)

Grade 5 (CMSD Only)
To best prepare for your field experience, participating teachers are required to attend a Teacher Workshop prior to your scheduled visit. Please check the CMSD Professional Development calendar for dates.

Classroom inquiry kits containing lesson plans and hands-on materials for use in your classroom are available for check-out to you two weeks prior to your scheduled field trip. Kits must be reserved ahead of time by calling 216-635-3391. Click to see materials list.

You can download the Teacher/Chaperone Guide to help prepare for your visit. This is a step-by-step set of instructions that you will use to complete the program.

If you have already visited the Zoo and completed the program, you can compare your results to our Collected Elephant Observation Data (xls file)

Program availability: Monday through Friday, September - May

Cost: FREE!

Registration for the Connections to Africa program is independent of any other bookings made with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Registrants are expected to make separate arrangements for transportation and admission to the Zoo. To reserve your field trip and admission to the Zoo, please call 216-635-3391. You must book admission to the Zoo at least 30 days prior to your visit.

To register for Connections to Africa Grades 1-3 click here:

Lesson plans and other resources for you to use in your classroom can be found at our Online Resource Library.

Program development and implementation for this program was provided by the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a KeyBank Trust; the William J. and Dorothy K. O'Neill Foundation, Inc. and; the Rockwell Foundation.

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