Teacher Workshops

Location: at the Zoo
Cost: $50 per person (does not include license renewal fee)

The Blank Park Zoo invites educators to participate in our unique, fun-filled, and informative teacher workshops. 

License renewal will be made available. All workshop activities are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and the Iowa Core for science, with connections to literacy, math, and social studies. 

By attending one or more of these workshops, teachers will be eligible to schedule a free classroom animal program at the zoo, or a discounted program in their classrooms. A free program may also be done via Zoom or other electronic means.

Registration and prepayment are required.

Click here to register.

Upcoming Teacher Workshops

• January 13-14, 2023 | Wild Genes

• February 17-18, 2023 | Patterns in Nature

• March 24-25, 2023 | Wonders of Water

*Workshops are held at Blank Park Zoo (7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50315.)

Workshop Times

Workshops during the academic year are on Friday evenings and Saturdays. Summer workshops are held over two consecutive full days. Please ensure you are available for both days.

License Renewal Credit

The cost of license renewal credit will be in addition to the above fee. Information regarding credit registration will be provided (emailed) prior to each workshop

Workshop Descriptions

Click the links below for a detailed description of that workshop.

Biomimicry and Inspiration
Climate Change
Conservation: People and Animals
Ecosystems
Habitats and Adaptations
Lamarck, and Wallace, and Darwin – Oh, my!  Evolution for Educators 
Nature-Centered Science for PreK-2 
Patterns in Nature 
Pollinators: Birds do it; Bees do it...and so do Lemurs and Lizards!
Wild Genes
Wonders of Water 
Zoo Structure and Design

Registration & Cancellations

All sales are final. If you are unable to attend a class, you can transfer to an open workshop. No refunds will be offered unless workshops are cancelled by the Zoo.

If you have any questions regarding teacher workshops contact Kathy McKee at 515-974-2557 or at kamckee@blankparkzoo.org .