John Ball Park Zoo School expands Habitat Hero program to 20 classrooms, 500 students in Grand Rapids Public Schools The nine-month program, funded by the Wege Foundation and Amway, brings zoo lessons and school visits to local schools, on-site, to teach students about native plant habitats and wildlife conservation. The program inspires students to apply their classroom learning to the real-world of conservation by creating proposals for native gardens and pollinator habitats in their own schoolyards.

Q1. What makes John Ball Park Zoo School unique?

Ans. John Ball Park Zoo School connects middle grades learning to zoology, conservation, and environmental science through zoo experiences.

Q2. Do students interact with zoo resources during learning at John Ball Park Zoo School?

Ans. Yes. Throughout the year, classroom learning is supplemented with zoo exhibits and animal-related educational experiences.

Q3. What kinds of topics are emphasized at John Ball Park Zoo School?

Ans. Students learn about the environment through project-based instruction including wildlife conservation, ecosystems, biodiversity and environmental science.

Q4. Are outdoor learning activities common at John Ball Park Zoo School?

Ans. Yes. At John Ball Park Zoo School, students regularly get outside and learn by applying their knowledge in the environment.

Q5. Why do many families choose John Ball Park Zoo School?

Ans. The school’s zoo partnership and strong environmental and science emphasis tends to draw families.