Professional Development Opportunities

The Zoo offers a variety of professional development opportunities for teachers. Check out the programs below.

STEM at the Zoo: Intro to the ZOOMS Design Challenge

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 from 9 am – 3 pm

• Grade 3-12 Teachers
• FREE
• 6 CEUs

Registration is open.

This hands-on training is geared towards new teachers curious about joining the ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge or returning ZOOMS teachers looking for more support on how to better facilitate classroom and field trip supporting activities to lead students through the enrichment or exhibit design process. Participants will leave this training with a deeper understanding of how STEM is used at the Zoo in animal enrichment, exhibit design, and wildlife conservation as well as how to incorporate activities that integrate STEM concepts into their curriculum, based on the Minnesota State Science Standards.

*Participants do not need to be registered for the ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge to attend this training.

The ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge presented by Flint Hills Resources offers students a chance to develop a solution to a ‘real’ problem faced by Zookeepers 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 STEM to best solve the problem and present a solution. Registered teachers will receive access to this free Zoo training to learn about the design challenge background and animals (in-person or access to a pre-recorded training), challenge supporting curriculum resources for both in-person and digital learning, and ongoing implementation support throughout the school year from Zoo education staff.

Show Us Your Mussels Challenge Teacher Training

Sponsored by

I Speak for Mussels!
An interdisciplinary project, Show Us Your Mussels Challenge offers students, grades 6–12, an opportunity to learn about the real problems facing our endangered native freshwater mussel populations and what community members can do to help. Students first learn how local water quality affects these important species, and the role of mussels in maintaining a healthy aquatic system. Students then create digital media campaigns to highlight what they have learned and encourage community members to act.

A great way to combine science, communication, technology, and awareness of human impact on the environment.

In February the challenge goes live! Schools post their projects online educating and encouraging the community to vote for their campaign. The top five winning schools, based on the number of votes in combination with the highest reach win a FREE field trip to the Minnesota Zoo which includes an interactive session with our Zoo staff at the Mussel cabin.

Resources for Teachers!
Teachers receive resources and support from the zoo to ensure a meaningful experience for all. This includes free lesson plans aligned to the national and state standards, as well as free professional development and an engaging classroom visit by one of the Zoo staff to get students excited about this project.

Wetland Conservation Workshop

Three Day Training and Student Conservation Action Project

June 23-25, 2026 from 9 am-3 pm
• Grade K-5 Teachers
• $75 for Teacher Training, meals included

With its 10,000 lakes and miles of winding rivers, Minnesota is a paradise for freshwater turtles. Unfortunately, these turtles face a variety of threats that put their future at risk. Join the Zoo to find out more about these creatures and how to engage students in taking on a real conservation project to help Minnesota freshwater turtles and wildlife. Your students can engage their community, raise awareness, and preserve wetlands in our state.

Registration Period: August 1, 2025 - June 6, 2026

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