Secondary – Maintain the Animal
Maintain the [animal] is a project-based learning experience that turns secondary students into conservationists. Students study the work of famous geneticists and conservationists like Gregor Mendel, Jane Goodall, and Stephen O’Brien, and learn about the role of genetics in animal conservation. Student teams research one of 6 species in the Kansas City Zoo’s collection to develop a studbook with breeding recommendations, just like the ones used by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Students synthesize their work in a conservation documentary filmed onsite at the Zoo. Recommended for grades 8+.