Colorful birds, cuddly mammals and crawling reptiles visited with students at Dunbar Learning Center recently for a 45-minute interactive learning event as AT&T and the Dallas Zoo continued a series of Animal Adventure visits to 40 DFW-area schools. The educational outreach effort is funded by a $50,000 grant from AT&T.
“The Animal Adventures Program is such a terrific way to bring the fascination of the zoo to many students in our area schools,” said Angela Ross, Vice President, AT&T External Affairs. “We are proud to partner with the Dallas Zoo in hopes of sparking the curiosity of our students and providing these hands-on, up close and personal interactive learning experiences which inspire discovery and often times introduces them to an awareness of their new interests and passions.”
AT&T is the Presenting Sponsor of the program for the 2015-16 school year. Part of the Dallas Zoo’s education department, Animal Adventures empowers students to discover and apply STEM-based solutions to wildlife questions, learn about careers in animal welfare and conservation, and nurture appreciation of animals and their connections with nature.
Aligned with TEKS, Animal Adventures supports concepts learned in the classroom. Trained to deliver age-appropriate content and messaging, Dallas Zoo instructors share fun, science-based facts that spark interest and create a sense of wonder. They pair these details with fascinating live demonstrations, showing off the animals’ unique adaptations and behaviors necessary for survival in their native habitats. Instructors also address conservation success and action to ensure that future generations can enjoy wild things in wild places.
Trustee Bernadette Nutall attended the event and praised the zoo and AT&T for working to bring this innovative program to local schools.
“I have seen first hand the positive impact innovative, interactive learning opportunities can have on our local students,” Nutall said. “Today, Dunbar students got up close and personal with some very special creatures and a very special program. Their eyes lit up and the wheels began spinning — we captured their imagination today and that’s where learning begins. I appreciate the Dallas Zoo, Dunbar leaders and AT&T for working together to provide these students with such a wonderful opportunity.”
