Utica Community Schools Third Graders Take Part in "Wild" Program

Third grade students at Utica Community Schools are taking part in a unique program this month with the Detroit Zoological Society. 

The partnership between Utica Community Schools and the Zoo enhances the traditional field trip for the students with activities before and after their visit, according to a release.

Detroit Zoological Society naturalists worked with district staff to create activities that "prepare and reinforce scientific concepts such as classification, animals and their habitats, how organisms survive and how humans have an impact on the environment," the district stated in a release.

According to district and Zoological Society officials, the students receive a tour and:

• Project Penguin – a hands-on, interactive activity that will allow students to use science tools to learn how keepers care for penguins
• Studio Presentation – Housed at the Zoo’s Ford Education Center, students will participate in a presentation using an interactive white board where they interact with biofacts (animal skulls, skins, teeth, etc.).
• A 4-D Theater Experience – a theater experience focused on predator/prey relationships.

Have your children participated in this program? Share your thoughts about this collaboration, and photos, with Patch.