Zoo Lab: A Week of Wonder, Science, and Stewardship for Our 5th Graders

As a Legacy Christian School community, we’re grateful for the opportunity to offer rich, unique and hands-on learning experiences like Zoo Lab, a week-long, behind-the-scenes adventure at John Ball Zoo designed specifically for our 5th graders.

For one incredible week, students trade their desks and textbooks for the sights, sounds, and discoveries of the Zoo. Zoo Lab is not a field trip, it’s a fully immersive learning experience where science comes alive in real time.

Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls

Our 5th graders have the amazing opportunity to be guided by expert zoo educators, keepers, and even a veterinarian. Students explore animal care, conservation, and the science of the natural world through hands-on, zoo-based STEM learning.

Throughout the week, students meet a fascinating range of animals from tiny shrimp to mighty chimpanzees while gaining rare behind-the-scenes access that most kids never experience. They ask questions, engage in conversations with professionals, and see firsthand how animals are cared for each day.

Zoo Lab is amazing. God’s creation is overflowing at John Ball Zoo. My favorite thing at Zoo Lab was the otters because they put on a show when you come.

Becoming Young Scientists

During Zoo Lab, each student takes on the role of a young scientist. Every day, students spend an hour observing a specific animal with a clear scientific purpose to study how it eats, plays, rests, and interacts with its environment. These daily observations help students uncover big ideas such as:

• Animal adaptations

• Habitat design

• Conservation efforts

• Engineering solutions for animal well-being

One highlight of the week is learning about animal enrichment, the intentional ways zoo staff support animals’ physical and mental health. Students discover how keepers use puzzle feeders, new scents, climbing structures, and creative food presentation to encourage natural behaviors, prevent boredom, and give animals choice and control in their environments. These lessons connect science, empathy, and stewardship in powerful ways.

Zoo lab is a great way to see God’s creativity. It was so fun to try so many things like petting a snake, watching a red panda every day and learning so much about animals. I got to study the red panda and they were so active!! The red pandas like to run around and just be adorable.  I also liked to do all the adventures like a touch tank and exhibit design!! Overall, I think that Zoo Lab was really fun and showed a lot of God’s creativity and uniqueness.

Designing with Purpose

Putting their learning into action, students are challenged to design a model animal exhibit with following real engineering guidelines. They consider the animal’s needs, natural behaviors, and enrichment opportunities and apply everything they’ve learned throughout the week in a creative and thoughtful way.

Sharing What They’ve Learned

The week culminates on Friday with an “Expert Share” presentation, where each 5th grader presents their observations and knowledge about the animal they studied and observed all week. Students confidently share their knowledge, demonstrating not only scientific understanding, but also communication skills and ownership of their learning.

I learned how God's creation can help bring happiness and hope to animals. Zoo Lab was a really good way to be a "Creation Enjoyer" and a "Beauty Creator". There was so many unique and beautiful things I saw in God's creation.

Why Zoo Lab Matters

By the end of the week, students leave Zoo Lab with more than new science knowledge. They gain a deeper connection to God’s creation, a greater appreciation for conservation, and an understanding of how everyday choices can help care for the world around them.

Zoo Lab is a powerful example of what makes Legacy Christian special: small class sizes, meaningful relationships, and learning experiences that shape hearts, minds, and faith. We’re grateful to offer opportunities like this that allow our students to learn deeply, explore boldly, and grow as curious, compassionate Kingdom-builders.

A huge thank you to our incredible IPOD teachers and parent volunteers who make this special week happen!