Teacher Resources

Free Animal Diversity Curriculum for Fourth Grade Teachers!

This initiative is conceived and created as a partnership between The Indianapolis Zoo and the Indianapolis Public Schools. The lessons and activities are designed to meet Indiana’s state standards of learning. They explore how animals adapt to their environments in a variety of ways, creating the infinite diversity of the natural world. 

During the program, IPS 4th grade students  will complete five lessons, both in the classroom and out. During the final unit, classes can take a field trip to the Indianapolis Zoo and learn more about how adaptations help animals to survive in their habitat. 

While the full Animal Diversity program is limited to IPS schools, any 4th grade teacher can download the free curriculum! Click the button above to download the curriculum guide.

Special appreciation goes to Brendan and Susan Fox, as well as the Marian M. McConnell Family, for supporting this program. 
Photo by Fred Cate.

Education Kits

Our Education Kits give students hands-on activities focusing on animals here at the Zoo and around the world. Kits include a teacher's manual, books, artifacts, posters, activities, and more. The kits are available to elementary and secondary grade levels throughout Indiana. Use kits on their own, or as a pre- or post- activity with a Zoo visit. You may pick up  the kits at the zoo and borrow them for a two-week period. The cost is $10 per kit.

For more information or to reserve an education kit contact us at edustaff@indyzoo.com

Snake Kit

Developed with a grant from SBC, the snake kit provides resources to dispel myths and fears while students learn about these fascinating reptiles. Resources include: snake skeleton and skulls, videos, posters, books, snake mounts, curriculum, and more.

Penguin Kit

Explore the world of penguins with your students. Use the penguin kit to engage your students in learning about penguin adaptations, habitats and conservation. The kit contains artifacts, activities, books, posters and more.

Project Elephant Kit

Learn all about one of the world's largest animals. Items found in the kit include food samples, elephant tail hair, a replica tooth, elephant curriculum, posters, books, videos, and more.

Feathers, Fins, and Furry Tales Kit

The Feathers, Fins and Furry Tales kit (or FFF) is designed to stimulate young students' curiosity prior to their Zoo visit is filled with games, audio cassettes, video tapes, books, and curriculum ideas.

Suitcase for Survival

Explore the relationship between endangered species and the trade in wildlife products using a Suitcase for Survival in your classroom! Watch as your students look at and touch an anaconda skin, ivory carving, ocelot skin, sea turtle boots, rhino horn pills, and other illegally traded wildlife products. The experience will bring awareness to the struggles that wildlife face to survive. Fortunately, there are some happy endings to these struggles. Learn how your class can be a part of it!

Sensory Kit

This suitcase is designed to allow people to discover and explore animals using a variety of their senses. The suitcase includes artifacts, games, CD of animal sounds, activities and more.