Teacher Resources

Free Animal Diversity Curriculum for Fourth Grade Teachers!

This program is designed specifically for fourth-grade teachers and students. 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-mandated 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 participating in the programs will complete five interactive lessons, both in the classroom and out. During their final unit, their class can take a field trip to the Indianapolis Zoo and explore animal adaptations to learn more about how animal body parts help them survive in their habitat. 

Any 4th grade teacher can download the free curriculum! Click button to download the curriculum guide. To pick up your set of animal cards to accompany the curriculum, contact Allison at (317) 630-2044. 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 Trunks give your students hands-on activities focusing on animals here at the Zoo and around the world. Kits include a teacher's manual and props like books, "artifacts," posters and activities. All kits fulfill selected Indiana Academic Standards. The kits are available to elementary and secondary grade levels throughout Indiana. You may borrow trunks for a two-week period. The cost is $10 per kit. Call (317) 630-2000 Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm for more information or to reserve an education kit.

Snake Kit

Penguin Kit

Project Elephant Kit and Curriculum

Feathers, Fins, and Furry Tales Kit

Suitcase for Survival

Sensory Kit

EdZoocator - Teacher Enews Blasts

Are you interested in receiving information about Indianapolis Zoo educational programs? Or do you need to change your existing e-mail address?  Click here to sign-up.  Please provide your first and last name, email, school, and district on your email.

Photo by Paul Riley