KidScience

What is KidScience?

KidScience is a year-long program designed to introduce middle school students to methods and principles related to conservation biology. KidScience students become part of the Zoo's research team, and get hands-on experience doing real animal behavior research. Through this program, students gain an understanding of research methods and skills, cooperation, and teamwork, environmental stewardship, and are exposed to science-related careers. Activities include classroom lessons, data collection and analysis, behind-the-scenes tours, research projects, and field trips.

Program Theme: Conservation Biology

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Consistent with the Zoo's mission, the broad theme of KidScience is conservation biology. Conservation biology encompasses many areas of science, and KidScience introduces students to as many as possible, including chemistry, ecology, physics, zoology, and ecology. In all cases, a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning is implemented.
Program Goals

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The goals of the KidScience program are to:

  • Instill students with a sense of environmental stewardship
  • Nurture students' enthusiasm for science
  • Increase students' understanding of scientific methods and principles
  • Expose students to careers in research or other science-related areas
  • Improve students' interpersonal skills through cooperative learning

We achieve these goals by providing students with learning experiences focused on research performed by Zoo staff.

Kidscience activities also meet many of the
Pennsylvania Department of Education Academic Standards
As well as the National Science Education Standards.
As a KidScience Student You Will:

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  • Make real contributions to Zoo research
  • Gain confidence in your ability to succeed in science
  • Meet and work with students who have similar interests
  • Develop leadership, presentation, and organizational skills
  • Gain experience as a valuable team member of the Zoo
KidScience Students Also Recieve:

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  • Two Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Intern T-shirts
  • Discounts at all Zoo restaurants and gift shops
  • Ten free Zoo passes for family and friends
  • Free admission during regular Zoo hours

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TUITION:
$555 Members

$695 Non-members

  A limited number of scholarships are available to those who qualify
 Click here to download a scholarship application.
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AGES:  Students who will be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in October may apply. Most students return the following year. (If you are in grades 9 to 12, check out Zoo U, our high school program.)

DATES: The 2012-2013 school year will begin on Saturday, October 6th. Classes are held every other Saturday throughout the school year (October to May), followed by a three week summer session.

TIMES: Saturday classes are 4 hours long (9 am - 1 pm or 1 pm - 5 pm).

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HOW TO APPLY:
In order to participate, students must:

  • Submit a completed application, including a one page essay
  • Submit two completed reference forms
  • Come to the Zoo for an interview with the KidScience Coordinator

Download KidScience Application

Download a Reference Form

 

Please mail application and references to:

Mandy Revak
KidScience Coordinator
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
One Wild Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15206

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Applications accepted until September 1st or until the classes are full.

Admission to the program is granted based on review of application materials and availability of space.

We have a limited amount of space and classes sometimes fill up quickly, so the earlier you submit your application, the better your chances of being accepted.

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For more information, contact Mandy Revak at 412-365-2567 or e-mail: mrevak@pittsburghzoo.org