Self-Guided Activities

STEM Trek
In addition to the curriculum guide, use the STEM Trek on your next field trip to the zoo! Whether it is used as an embedded activity to be used as a part of the STEM Quest curriculum guide or to function as a separate activity, this self-guided exploration of the tropics trail will challenge students to use problem solving, observational, math, and data collection skills to analyze the positive impact of the Minnesota Zoo has in addressing the problems facing animals in captivity.

Minnesota Trek
Keep your students engaged with this self-guided tour of the Medtronic Minnesota Trail.  This activity guide focuses on the three main biomes of Minnesota and examines how animals are adapted to survive here.  Designed for 6^th-8^th graders, this guide can be modified for use with older or younger students.

Climate Change Ocean Trek 
Engage your students with this self-guided tour of Discovery Bay.  This trek was developed for middle and upper level students to use at the Minnesota Zoo in order to examine how human actions have affected many aspects of marine life and understand methods for reducing human impacts on the oceans.
Climate Change Oceans Trek—upper grades
Climate Change Ocean Trek—upper grades KEY

Environmental Studies Trek NEW!
Asist your middle and upper level students to explore environmental studies themes throughout the Zoo.  Topics covered include habitats, environment, human impact, and climate.
Environmental Studies Trek—upper grades
Environmental Studies Trek—upper grades KEY

Russia Grizzly Coast Trek
Engage your students with this quick activity while visiting Russia’s Grizzly Coast. The scavenger hunt focuses on a variety of aspects from size to diet to adaptations. Two grade levels are available.
Russia Grizzly Coast Trek-Grades K-3
Russia Grizzly Coast Trek-Grades K-3 KEY
Russia Grizzly Coast Trek-Grades 4-8
Russia Grizzly Coast Trek -Grades 4-8 KEY

Math Curriculum
The following activities were designed to demonstrate how we use math, science, and engineering to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. In addition to the Math Curriculum you can do At Your School, we offer math activities you can use while visiting the MN Zoo.
Grades 1-2 MN Zoo Field Trip
Grades 1-2 MN Zoo Field Trip KEY
Grades 3-4 MN Zoo Field Trip
Grades 3-4 MN Zoo Field Trip KEY
Grades 5-6 MN Zoo Field Trip
Grades 5-6 MN Zoo Field Trip KEY
Grades 7-12 MN Zoo Field Trip
Grades 7-12 MN Zoo Field Trip KEY

Zoo Trail Guides

Minnesota Zoo Animal Facts
Northern Trail Zoo Animal Facts
Share facts about some of the Minnesota Zoo’s animals with your students before your field trip.

Please note the Minnesota Zoo’s animal collection is constantly changing and shifting. Some activities may refer to animals no longer in our collection. Zoo volunteers would be able to answer questions student have about other animals.

ZooMS Stem Design Challenge presented by Flint Hills Resources

The ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge offers students a chance to develop a solution to a ‘real’ problem faced by Zoo Keepers and staff at the Minnesota Zoo. From designing an enrichment, to building a model of a renovated animal exhibit, the problem will challenge students to use their science and math knowledge, creativity, problem solving, and research skills during the engineering design process in order to best solve the problem. Selected students are invited to showcase their design challenge solution for a chance to win a backstage pass experience with our animals!

More information on the ZooMS Design Challenge.
Show Us Your Mussels Challenge
Introduce your students to these unique native species who play a key role in water quality in Minnesota. In the Show Us Your Mussels Challenge, Minnesota students create original digital media campaigns informing the public about the impact of water quality on native mussels. The school groups that get the message out to the most people will receive FREE field trips to the Minnesota Zoo including bussing, admission, parking and interactive sessions with our Mussel Conservation staff
More information on the Show Us Your Mussels Challenge

Recycle for Rainforests: Student Conservation Project

Start a cell phone recycling drive in your class or school! This is a great opportunity to introduce students to an authentic conservation project with tangible results. Participating schools will receive a book, posters, parent letter templates, educational resources and more! Email us with your address so we can send your free kit to get started today! Want more information? Click here or call 952-431-9564.

Sponsor an Animal

This is a wild community service project for Student Councils or classrooms. For a brochure, fund raising ideas or more information call (952) 431-9216 or visit our Sponsor an Animal web page.

Teacher Field Trip Planning Presentation

Use this presentation to help your team with planning and logistics of a field trip to the Minnesota Zoo.

Also available, Student Pre-Field Trip Presentation

Use this presentation to help with logistics, reminders, and expectations to get ready for your trip to the Minnesota Zoo. Developed to be used a few days before a field trip with your students.

All teachers receive a 20% discount on “school related” merchandise. Show your school Id or business card to qualify.

School related merchandise includes: Games, Puzzles, Books, DVD’s, Video’s, Music, Pens, Pencils, Animal Replicas, and any other items that will be used in the classroom.