Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford Offers Group & Educational Programs

DIRECT LINK: http://www.bpzoo.org/index.html

The Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford offers learning experiences for Girl Scouts of all ages.
Call 508-991-6178 x 30 for specific information. Ask if teh zoo can create a program to work with a specific Try-It or Badge requirement.
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Brownie & Older Scout Troop Levels
Maximum group size for these programs is 30 students.
Larger groups must make arrangements for multiple programs.
Guided Zoo Tour: Enjoy a stroll around zoo grounds with a zoo educator who will talk to your group about the animals and their habitats.
Please note: guided tours are not available in June.
Grades: All
Length: 1.25-1.5 hours
Fee: $90
The Reasons for Seasons: Why does our world change with the passing seasons? Visit the zoo to find out how our native plants and animals adapt to these natural variations. This program will focus on observable changes that are taking place at the time of your visit.
Brownie Level
Length: 1 hour
Fee: $60
The Wonder of Birds: What makes a bird a bird? (Hint: It's probably not what you think!) Join us as we explore eggs, feathers and the other unique characteristics of our feathered friends. Ask to see if they can create a program that will help your troop earn Central & Western Massachusetts Council Try-It for Birds.
Pre-visit activity sheets (PDFs) Wonder of Birds Lesson, Wonder of Birds Vocabulary
Brownie level
Length: 1 hour
Fee: $60
Nature’s Transformers: Did you know that not all animals grow up the way we do? Some undergo amazing transformations in shape, behavior and even how they breathe! Join us in exploring this marvel of metamorphosis. Students will interact with live Tenebrio beetles at each of their life stages and apply what they have learned to find out about other metamorphosing species. At the end of the program, teachers will be provided with a summary of their class’ observations.
Brownie & Junior Level
Grades: 3 - 5
Length: 1 hour
Fee: $60
Animal Adaptations: Otters, beavers and seals are all animals that spend much of their time in the water, yet they are quite different from each other. Using inquiry-based activities we will explore how each of these animals has adapted to life in the water.
Pre-visit activity sheet (PDF) Animal Adaptations Lesson
Junior Level
Length: 1 hour
Fee: $60
Vernal Pool Ponderings: Why are vernal pools so special? Visit the zoo and discover some of the mysterious creatures that call vernal pools home. We’ll investigate the dangers of amphibian life, the death-defying lifestyles of fairy shrimp and the nomadic wanderings of turtles. We’ll also cover the basics of vernal pool identification.
Pre-visit activity sheet (PDF) Vernal Pool Vocabulary
Junior & Cadette Level
Grades: 4 - 8
Length 1 hour
Fee: $60
Backyard Biodiversity: What is biodiversity? Is it an exotic phenomenon found only in far off rainforests or can we find it right here on the South Coast? With nets, boxes, magnifiers and field guides we’ll explore biological communities that live in our own backyards.
Please note: this program is not available November thru March.
Cadette level & higher
Length: 1.5 hours
Fee: $90
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For additional information about programs, fees, or to register a Troop for a program, call 508- 991-6178 x 30.