Como Park Zoo and Conservatory - EdZoocation Programs
This project explores science and nature through the eyes of engineers. The program selections provide something for everyone.
During “Mini Movers,” youngest learners discover how animals stay safe in nature by swimming, hopping, flying, and stomping. This 30 – 45 minute program includes an interactive story, creative movement and animal visitors that are sure to delight.
For adult audiences, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory provides “Natural Wonders.” This interactive slide show presentation highlights the science of biomimicry.
Outcome #1 – Increase participant numbers for on-site and off-site programsOutcome #2 – Increase knowledge in conservation and make connection between living things in our livesOutcome #3 – Provide meaningful programs and opportunities to expand knowledge and experienceOutcome #4 – Meet and exceed guest expectations
Outcome #1 – Increase participant numbers for on-site and off-site programs. Over 4,000 children, plus their adults have participated in the 34 weeks of Lil’ Explorer Thursdays from January-April 2012. Nature’s Engineer’s was offered to 22 groups, educating over 475 students.Outcome #2 – Increase knowledge in conservation and make connection between living things in our lives. Each week, Como’s education staff asked families and children about their experience. The feedback was always positive, with many adults asking for additional brochures to give to friends and family. Some adults provided suggestions for improvement such as more sensory tubs or activates.Outcome #3 – Provide meaningful programs and opportunities to expand knowledge and experienceIn April 2012, adults were encouraged to complete a survey either by hand during Lil’ Explorers or online to provide more in-depth feedback. Eighty-six percent of the adults agreed or somewhat agreed that the activitiescreated an appreciation for nature, that their child learned something new during the experience, and that it taught their child something about plants and animals. Eighty-two percent reported their children talked about the experience during the same day or week.Outcome #4 – Meet and exceed guest expectationsOverall, Lil’ Explorers was a favorable experience. Sixty-four percent of the adults visited more than one Lil’ Explorers, with several families attending every single week. One hundred percent of the participants reported they would recommend Lil’ Explorers to others.
Realtor, Minnesota Home Ventures
Jo Bailey
Community Volunteer
Sheila Brown
Assistant Treasurer and Vice President, Travelers
Arta Cheney
Community Volunteer
Jennifer Denys
Investment Counsel, Advantus Capital Management, a subsidiary of Securian Financial Group
Scott Dongoske
President, Winthrop & Weinstine PA
Peter Everett
Marketing Director of Adult Cereals, General Mills
Anne Hazelroth Field
Chair – Community Volunteer
David Gabel
Finance, Ecolab
Tom Hodnefield
Treasurer – CPA, Tautges Redpath, Ltd.
Robert Hoke
District Manager of Saint Paul and Vice President, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Jennifer Huelsmann
Executive, Accenture
Bill Kaphing
Vice President, Xcel Energy
Joe Nayquonabe
Corporate Director of Marketing, Grand Casino Mille Lacs/Hinckley
Nancy Nelson
Vice Chair – Consultant, The Nelson Group
Marla Ordway
Pratt Ordway Properties
Lynette Palmgren
Community Volunteer
Bill Parker
Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer, US Bancorp
Ed Pendergast
Community Volunteer
Susan Roeder
Vice President, Andersen Corporate Foundation
Wendy Rubin
CEO, Wendy Rubin Ltd.
Kathleen Schubert
Organizational Consultant
Peter Thrane
Attorney, Leonard Street & Deinard
Keith Wietecki
Former President & CEO, Seren Innovations & Xcel Energy
Leonard Wilkening
Emeritus Director
Ex Officio
Mike Hahm
Director, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
Michelle Furrer
Campus Manager, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Jackie Sticha
President, Como Friends