Complete Zoo Adventure

Whether you’re planning a trip to the zoo or would like to complete an animal study within the comfort of your own home, this creation-based resource provides you with lots of information, tips, and activities for a fascinating look at 27 different animals. The book speaks to the user in either situation; however, it certainly leans toward the zoo-goer. The hardcover “field-trip-in-a-book” houses a spiral bound book as well as a “tool kit” – a pouch in the back cover holding additional materials. The book is divided into the following four sections: Before the Zoo, At the Zoo, After the Zoo, and Appendices. In the Before the Zoo section, you’ll become acquainted with the Complete Zoo curriculum, utilize the planning calendar and supplies list if you are taking a trip to the zoo, and enjoy 7 devotionals meant to prepare you for the trip and the amazing creatures God has designed. The At the Zoo section is the heart of the book. Here there are a couple of pages with information about field assignments (assigning children to different roles at the zoo – photographer, trail finder, etc.), field journals, and tips for behavior while at the zoo. Then it’s on to the animals! The 27 animals detailed are organized in 5 tabbed sections - birds, paws and claws, hooves, reptiles, and amphibians. There are 2-3 pages devoted to each of the 27 animals. These pages include lots of interesting text about unique characteristics/design, behavior, and lifestyle as well as photographs, fun facts, and a map showing where in the world the animal lives. The After the Zoo section holds several reproducible follow up activities for younger ages, intermediate students, and advanced students including matching exercises, word searches, coloring pages, and other activities to complete using the materials found in the tool kit. In the Appendices section, you’ll find helpful resources such as scripture verses to memorize, educator notes for parents/teachers, and a glossary. Throughout the entire book you’ll enjoy lots of colorful photographs of a variety of animals.

The Tool Kit holds 4 different resources. First, there is a field card for each animal covered in the book. These cards hold general statistics for the animals, including how big, how heavy, diet, habitat, life span, special features, and more. Each statistic appears in the same order on all of the cards for easy comparison and information gathering. Next there are 7 biome cards, each with a picture of the biome on the front (along with a map showing where in the world that biome exists) and information on the back. Thirdly, there are 3 field journals included with the book (a reproducible form is included in the book in case you need more than 3). These “journals” are pamphlet-sized and made out of cardstock (an 8.5” by 8.5” sheet folded in half). The journal features 32 boxes to fill out on the trip to the zoo (or on the trip through the book!). The students record the type of animal, write its name in the blank, and draw or describe any special features in the blank space. Lastly, there are 12 name badges, which are glossy cardstock and feature space for the student’s name as well as their field assignment. All in all, this curriculum offers a great way to expand your trip to the zoo and does an excellent job of dispelling evolutionary myths about God’s creation and instead pointing to our wonderful Creator. – Melissa